Ron Flowers MBE: ex Wolves footballer who was part of the England 1966 World Cup winning squad has died at 87

Former footballer Ron Flowers has died, aged 87.

The ex-Wolves midfielder, who was part of the England 1966 World Cup squad, has passed away, his former club has announced.

Here’s a look at his career and life away from the beautiful game as the football community remembers one of its past greats…

Who was Ron Flowers?

Born in Edlington, Doncaster, on 28 July 1934, Ron Flowers was the son of a coal miner but knew from an early age he wanted to be a footballer.

He realised this dream by playing for Wolves between 1952 and 1967, helping the Black Country club to three First Division titles and the FA Cup in 1960.

A statement on the club’s official Twitter feed read: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of club legend and vice president Ron Flowers MBE at the age of 87.

“A giant on the pitch and a gentleman off it. There will be many people remembering Ron today and all of our thoughts are with those who knew and loved him.”

Flowers played 515 times for Wolves, placing him fifth on their all-time appearances list.

What clubs did Ron Flowers play for?

Ron Flowers joined Wolves from Wath Wanderers and established himself as a key creative player in the side managed by Stan Cullis.

He also played for Northampton Town where he served as player-manager, followed by spells at Telford and Wellington Town before hanging up his boots.

How many England caps did he earn?

Ron Flowers played 49 times for England and featured in 40 consecutive international matches between November 1958 and April 1963, which included the 1962 World Cup in Chile.

Flowers was also the first England player to score in the European Championships when he bagged a goal in a qualifier against France at Hillsborough in 1962.

He did not feature as Sir Alf Ramsey’s men became world champions on home soil in 1966, but received a World Cup winner’s medal at Downing Street in 2009 after only those on the field at the final whistle initially got one.

What did Ron Flowers do after retiring from football?

Ron Flowers ran a successful sports shop in Wolverhampton, which is now managed by his sons, and was vice president of the club he served for so many years.

He was awarded an MBE in the 2021 New Year Honours for services to football.

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