Tributes pour in for ex-Villa and West Brom keeper Derek Dudley
Tributes have poured in for former Aston Villa and West Brom goalkeeper Derek Dudley after his death from liver disease aged just 47.
The popular former stopper spent four years with Villa as a youngster during the 1980s before making the switch to The Hawthorns. The latter part of his career was spent in non-league, including with several clubs in the Black Country.
After his football career ended, the father-of-two went into teaching, including a spell at The Brades Lodge school in Tividale. He also helped raise more than £500,000 for charity by playing for the Aston Villa Old Stars team.
Dudley, who lived in Rugeley with wife Helen and children Daniel, 13, and Elizabeth, 11, was diagnosed with the terminal illness last year after being told his condition was inoperable. He died on New Year's Eve.
A minute's applause was held at the home of one his former clubs Stourbridge ahead of their match with Rushall Olympic on New Year's Day.
Ex-Villa legends, including members of the 1982 European Cup-winning side, turned out to fulfil Dudley's final wish for an all-star game in at Sutton Coldfield Town last month as funds were raised for charity.
Dudley's bucket list included having a nice meal with his children and getting together with the 'lads' one last time.
Former Albion teammate Daryl Burgess was among those to pay his condolences.
He said on Twitter on New Year's Eve: "On this night of joy, please raise a glass for my ex-teammate Derek Dudley who sadly passed away earlier today.
"Life is short folks. Enjoy it."
Midlands radio sports presenter Tom Ross said: "Just been told that former Baggies and Villa keeper Derek Dudley passed away today - he also played for the Villa charity team- so sad a top man and so young #RIP."
Alan Cleverley, secretary of Albion's Official Supporters' Club, said: "He was a West Bromwich Albion player and that to me puts him up with all West Bromwich Albion players.
"Once they pull on that blue and white shirt they are Albion players and always will be.
"I saw Derek several times, he used to go with Bob Taylor to all-star games. He was a very likeable bloke who always had a smile. He just seemed to enjoy life.
"When I heard about his illness I was absolutely amazed.
Several of Dudley's former clubs also paid tribute to the former goalkeeper on Twitter.
Halesowen Town posted: "We are saddened by the news of the passing of ex-Yeltz goalkeeper Derek Dudley, our condolences to family and friends at this difficult time, may you rest in peace."
AFC Telford United: "All at the club were saddened by the news of the death on New Year's Eve of Derek Dudley, a former goalkeeper for Telford United in the early 1990s."
Stourbridge FC said: "The Club are very sad to hear that Derek Dudley passed away today. Derek was our goalkeeper during the 1990/91 Southern League Midland Division title-winning campaign. Our thoughts are with Derek's friends and family."
Villa legends including Gordon Cowans, Nigel Spink, Pat Heard, Tony Morley and Peter Withe lined up alongside Albion heroes Richard Sneekes and Bob Taylor when the Midlands Legends team took on Romulus Veterans in the special charity match.
