Express & Star

Wolves release details of Sir Jack tributes

A host of Wolves legends and members of Sir Jack's Hayward's family will be at Molineux for a celebration of the former owner's life tomorrow.

Published
Sir Jack Hayward at his beloved Molineux

Wolves take on Blackpool at Molineux and a huge crowd is expected to pay tribute to the much-loved 91-year-old, who died earlier this week.

Sir Jack's son Jonathan will be joined on the pitch by Steve Bull and Rachael Heyhoe Flint for a minute's applause before kick off.

His long-time companion Patti Bloom and several former Wolves players and managers – including Graham Turner, Dave Jones, Ron Flowers, Andy Thompson, Jody Craddock and John De Wolf – will also take to the Molineux turf to remember Sir Jack.

And supporters in the Steve Bull Upper Stand will be asked to hold cards aloft which makes special Sir Jack mosaic.

The Wolves Fan Zone has been transformed into a tribute to Sir Jack with a special 'life in pictures' display and a place where Wolves supporters can sign a special book of remembrance – which will be presented to Sir Jack's family at a later date.

There will also be the opportunity to sign a special Wolves flag in memory of Sir Jack.

Wolves will open their museum free of charge to give fans the chance to see tributes to Sir Jack including his place in the Wolves Hall of Fame.

Chief executive Jez Moxey said: "We've been inundated with tributes to Sir Jack from thousands of people at home and abroad but none more so than from the extended Wolves family.

"Saturday is about them, and the entire city of Wolverhampton, coming together to celebrate his life and to say an appropriate 'thank you'.

Sir Jack with Graham Taylor, son Jonathan and the club mascot Wolfie

"We've been contacted by thousands of fans who will be making a special effort 'to wear Old Gold and Black for Jack' and to bring Wolves flags and banners – I know he'd be thrilled, and humbled, at the efforts fans are making to honour him in this way.

"We'd like to say a special thank you to our fan volunteers who are busy creating a special mosaic in the upper Steve Bull stand.

"Fans in the upper Steve Bull will be asked to hold their cards aloft during the minutes's applause to help create a special visual backdrop to this emotional occasion.

"Although, understandably, there will be some tears the Wolves family will create the type of atmosphere Sir Jack so much loved to soak up before kick-off - a full house at Molineux, a sea of old gold and black and the stadium in full voice to inspire the team to victory.

"Let us all play our part in making Saturday a positive uplifting occasion for the 'Old Boy', Sir Jack Hayward – let's do it for Jack."

A special 100-page matchday programme with more than 20 pages of Sir Jack tributes will be on sale on the day.

Anyone who doesn't get a chance to sign the book of remembrance before the game will be able to do so next week.

There is limited capacity in the museum and fans are asked to call the ticket office to book a place.

Sorry, we are not accepting comments on this article.