Former Wolves winger Terry Wharton has sadly passed away at the age of 83, following a short illness.
A popular character off the pitch, Wharton spent nine years at Wolves between 1959 and 1968, playing on 242 occasions – the most times he represented any club in his career.
Born in Bolton, but Wolves would be Wharton’s first club, signing on his 15th birthday and turning professional two years later in October 1959.
Wharton was handed his debut by legendary manager Stan Cullis in November 1961 and scored in a 2-0 over Ipswich Town, beginning a hugely successful spell at Molineux.
He quickly became the club’s regular right winger at that point, holding the position for the next five seasons and enjoying his finest hour in old gold with a hat-trick in a 7-0 win over rivals West Bromwich Albion in 1963.
Despite the club suffering relegation to the second tier in the mid-1960s, Wharton played his part in returning the club to the top flight via promotion in 1967, scoring on 17 occasions that season.
The winger also played 10 times for Los Angeles Wolves, winning the first official US soccer title in 1967, before contributing to the club’s film about the triumph and playing a key role at the premiere in Wolverhampton three years ago.
Wharton’s time with the club came to an end in 1968, leaving with 79 goals in 242 games and signing for Bolton Wanderers, before later representing the likes of Crystal Palace and Walsall.
After ending his playing days in the mid-1970s, Wharton remained living in the local area, regularly attending Wolves FPA events and supporting Wolves Foundation activities, particularly Molineux Memories.
As Wolves take on West Ham United at Molineux on Saturday afternoon, Wolves players will wear black armbands, while a minute’s applause will take place pre-match.
The thoughts of everyone at Wolves are with Terry’s wife Sue, and his family and friends at this sad time.
