Dean Richards left nearly £1m in will

Tragic former Wolves star Dean Richards has left almost £1 million in his will, it has been revealed.

Probate records reveal the popular defender, who died in February of a long-term illness believed to be a brain tumour, left a net estate of £994,852.

Mr Richards, who also played for Tottenham, Southampton and Bradford in a 13-year career, has left everything in trust for his wife Samantha and his two children.

The Molineux favourite, who died aged 36, had been one of Britain's most promising centre-backs but was forced to retire in 2005 through ill health. He had moved on loan to promotion-chasing Wolves in March 1995, making his debut in a 1-0 win at Southend.

A permanent deal was quickly arranged for a then-club record fee of £1.85 million in the close season, shortly after Wolves had lost in the play-offs. He made four appearances for the England under-21 team in 1995.