Wolves star Dean Richards dies aged 36

Former Wolves defender Dean Richards died today at the age of 36 after a long battle against illness. Send in your tributes.

Former Wolves defender Dean Richards died today at the age of 36 after a long battle against illness.

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See also: The career of Wolves star Dean Richards – pictures A look back at the career of Wolves defender

The ex-England Under-21s centre-back was reportedly suffering from a brain tumour.

A Wolves statement said: "Everyone at Wolves was saddened to hear of the death of Dean Richards.

"Wolves would like to take this opportunity to send their condolences to the former Molineux defender's family and friends.

"There will be a tribute paid to the defender ahead of next Sunday's game with his former club Spurs."

Richards joined Wolves from Bradford in 1995 for £1.8m and made 145 appearances in his four years at the club, becoming a fans' favourite.

He famously returned from injury to score in a 2-0 win against Albion and played in the run to FA Cup semi-finals in 1998, with Wolves eventually beaten by Arsenal.

He left Molineux for Southampton in 1999 and later moved on to Tottenham.

The Wolves statement continued: "Richards' tally of appearances at Molineux was the most he made for any of his four clubs, and while with the club he fully immersed himself in the local community, living in Compton and even popping into the local pub for weekly quizzes."

Richards retired from the game in 2005 because of frequent dizzy spells and headaches.