Former Wolves boss passes away

Former Wolves manager Ian Greaves has died at his home in Lancashire at the age of 76.

The one-time Busby Babe, who won a League championship medal as a player with Manchester United, was in charge at Molineux for six months in 1982.

He died yesterday at his home in Ainsworth, near Bolton. He leaves his widow, Vera, and daughter Christine.

He took over from John Barnwell at Wolves in February 1982, but was sacked six months later by the newly installed Bhatti Brothers' regime, after winning five of his 20 matches at the helm.

But Greaves carved out a successful career as a manager elsewhere and became a legendary figure at Mansfield.

He began his managerial career in 1970 at Huddersfield, who he led to the Second Division title before suffering back-to-back relegations and walking out amid a boardroom struggle.

He left to join Bolton, who he led to the League Cup semi-finals in 1977 and the Second Division title a year later.

He was sacked in January 1980 with Bolton at the bottom of the first division, having a brief spell in charge of Oxford before joining Wolves.

He joined Mansfield in 1983 and led the Stags to promotion from the Fourth Division and victory in the Freight Rover Trophy final at Wembley. He managed a total of 855 matches.

As a player, the full-back started his career at United and got his breakthrough as a result of the Munich air crash, playing the 1958 FA Cup final as the Red Devils rebuilt after the tragedy.

He won a League title medal in 1955-56 after appearing in the last 14 games of the season. After 67 United appearances he moved to Lincoln, before ending his playing days at Oldham.

A Wolves club statement read: "All at Molineux extend deepest condolences to his friends and family."