Wolves comes alive in honour of Sir Jack

Molineux came alive today as Wolves paid tribute to former owner Sir Jack Hayward before the home clash against Blackpool.

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A host of former players and managers and members of Sir Jack's family took to the pitch to pay tribute after his death on Tuesday, aged 91.

Son Jonathan and long-time companion Patti Bloom were at the game, as were Steve Bull and Sir Jack's friend of 45 years Rachael Heyhoe-Flint.

Several former Wolves players and managers – including Graham Turner, Dave Jones, Ron Flowers, Andy Thompson, Jody Craddock and John De Wolf – also took the turf in tribute.

Long-time friend of Sir Jack's, Baroness Rachael Heyhoe Flint, recalled his 'happiest moment' on the day of Wolves' 2003 promotion triumph.

The team beat Sheffield United 3-0 at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff to secure promotion to the Premier League.

It came 13 long years – and many millions of pounds spent – after Sir Jack took over the club.

Wolves vice-president Baroness Heyhoe-Flint also recalled how Sir Jack sponsored the England women's cricket team.

She said: "I've been great friends with Jack since 1970, when I wrote him a begging letter and he said: 'Yes, I'll sponsor the England cricket team'.

"I asked him why and he simply said: 'I love women and I love cricket.'

"He sponsored us for five years, but he also set up the first ever World Cup for women in 1973 – two years before the men. So cricket has got a lot of thank him for."

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