War hero Wolves supporter is guest of honour at Molineux
A soldier who lost both his legs in a roadside explosion while serving in Afghanistan was guest of honour at Molineux as Wolves fans paid their respects to war heroes.
Sapper Clive Smith delivered the match ball for the game against Stevenage on Saturday, to warm applause from all four sides of the ground.
The devoted Wolves supporter later urged the crowd of almost 18,000 fans to dig deep for this year's Poppy Appeal.
Spr Smith, from Cannock, suffered his injuries searching for an Improvised Explosive Device and now walks using artificial limbs.
He was the face of last year's National Poppy Appeal and said he was honoured to lead the Wolves tribute to the fallen at the club's last home match before Armistice Day.
"I was more than happy to come down when they asked me and even though I've been down here last year it was still special," he said.
"I think it is important as a mark of respect so that we can remember especially at this time of year.
"If just by me coming along and raising awareness within the local community then that's great."
A minute's silence was held and impeccably observed before kick off.
Spr Smith is receiving support from the Royal British Legion as he prepares to leave the Army in March. He continues to work hard at his rehabilitation from the devastating injuries he suffered on a tour of Afghanistan.
The former Chase High School student took his first tour of Afghanistan in 2008 and it was on his return that he decided to become a bomb disposal expert.
He returned to duty in the war-torn country in early October 2010 with the 33 Engineer Regiment and it was just a few days later he lost his legs in the bomb blast on October 13.
Spr Smith was helped by the Royal British Legion by spending part of his rehabilition at the Battle Back Centre in Lilleshall.
While there he took part in activities such as wheelchair basketball, rock climbing and bowling, all of which helped his recovery.
West Bromwich Albion also paid their respects, with soldiers forming a guard of honour and the players wearing shirts specially embroidered with poppies for the match against Crystal Palace at The Hawthorns.
