WATCH: UKIP leader Nigel Farage was 'privileged to meet' former Wolves owner Sir Jack Hayward
Nigel Farage has paid tribute to the late Sir Jack Hayward, who he says he was 'privileged to meet' after being invited to attend a game at Molineux with the former Wolves owner.
The UKIP leader told the Express & Star that Sir Jack wrote to him asking if he'd like to attend a Wolves game some years ago after seeing the politician on television.
"He sent a letter saying 'jolly well done young man', and would I like to come and meet him and see Wolverhampton Wanderers play football," Mr Farage recalled.
"So I did! I had lunch in the boardroom and some very nice wine. Wolves did lose, but anyway, Lady Hayward made quite a nice donation to the party.
"It was quite a long time ago. It was just a connection.
"I met him a couple of times after that. I didn't know him well but I was privileged to meet him and spend a lovely day at Molineux with him," he told the Express & Star.
Mr Farage, who was in Wolverhampton to set out his case for Britain leaving the EU, also spoke of his admiration for Wolves hall of famer and fans idol Derek Dougan.
"The Doog of course, who was the legendary centre forward for Wolves and Northern Ireland captain, was a UKIP member," he said.
"He actually appeared on Question Time once for UKIP, so those Wolverhampton links are quite good."
Speaking at the UKIP West Midlands regional conference, Mr Farage described the West Midlands as having 'one of the largest Euro-sceptic traditions' in the country.
He said: "Dear old Sir Jack of course, and an MP called Enoch who had a few things to say about the common market."
