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Ex-England star dead at 84 as tributes pour in for 'inspirational leader'

Former Wolves captain Mike Bailey twice capped for England was beloved by fans of the club, where he spent 11 years as a player during their revival in English football in the 60s and 70s.

[Wolves legend Mike Bailey has passed away]

Wolves legend Mike Bailey has passed away(Image: PA)

Wolverhampton Wanderers legend Mike Bailey has died at the age of 84, his former club has said.

The former Wolves captain who was capped twice for England was beloved by fans of the club, where he spent 11 years as a player during their revival in English football in the 60s and 70s.

During his first full season at the club, Bailey was part of the side who won promotion back to the top division in 1967 and was named Midlands Player of the year. One fan said: "He was a real player, a real captain, a proper man. Inspirational. Unforgettable."

[Mike Bailey was captain of Wolverhampton Wanderers during their revival]

Mike Bailey was captain of Wolverhampton Wanderers during their revival

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In a statement released on Monday night, Wolves described Bailey as a true leader at Molineux for over a decade and a pivotal part of some of the club's most successful days.

They said: "As Wolves enjoyed a revival in the English game in the late 1960s and 1970s, Bailey was the clubs leader on the pitch, with the midfielder enjoying an incredible Old Gold career spanning 11 years, 436 games and 25 goals.

"During that popular Wolves stint, Bailey was known by those on the Molineux terraces for his love of a tackle, creative passing and eye for the occasional spectacular strike, but more than all that, his leadership."

[Mike Bailey holds up the League Cup in 1974]

Mike Bailey holds up the League Cup in 1974(Image: Daily Mirror)

The Cambridgeshire-born midfielder signed for the club from Charlton Athletic for a reported 45,000 in 1966. He soon took over the armband and lead the club to promotion to the first division.

Once Wolves were back in the big time, he was a key figure in the team that reached the Uefa Cup final in 1972. Unfortunately, he was only fit enough for a substitute appearance as the club lost 3-2 to Tottenham Hotspur in an all-English affair.

But he got his hands on silverware two years later, as he captained the club to a League Cup triumph over Manchester City at Wembley in what the club described as his finest afternoon at the club.

[Mike Bailey was mourned by Wolves]

Mike Bailey was mourned by Wolves(Image: Mirrorpix)

The club were again promoted back to the first division in his final season in 1977, but Bailey didn't play much and left the club following a well-deserved testimonial against arch rivals West Brom.

He moved to Minnesota Kicks in the US but retired two years later. After hanging his boots up, he was a regular in Wolverhampton for matches and events for years, despite living in Surrey.

He was at one time the chairman of the club's Former Players Association and was inducted into its Hall of Fame in 2010.

[ Mike Bailey captained the club during its Golden Era]

Mike Bailey captained the club during its Golden Era(Image: Mirrorpix)

Tragically, he was diagnosed with dementia ten years later and passed away on Monday. The club added: "The thoughts of all at Wolves are with Mikes family and friends at this sad time."

One fan wrote on social media: "Just before my time supporting Wolves. But everyone tells me he was as tough as they came and an inspirational leader." Another said simply: "One of the best signings in our history."

Someone else said: "Club should do something special, because Mike was! RIP one of our true greats." Another fan wrote: "What a player and captain Mike Bailey was. They dont make players like him anymore. True class."

Another fan said: "Absolute titan of a captain who personified his club. Not quite a one-club man as he began his career at Charlton but as synonymous with the Wolves as the old gold jerseys."

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