Premier League Side Wolves Mourn the Death of Former Player Terry Wharton

Premier League Side Wolves Mourn the Death of Former Player Terry Wharton

  • Wharton, who joined Wolves at 15 and quickly became a star on the right wing, has lost his life
  • The legendary winger was best known for his hat-trick in a 7-0 thrashing of West Brom
  • He appeared in nearly 250 appearances, scored 69 league goals, and built a reputation as one of Wolves’ most dependable wingers

Wolves are mourning the loss of former star Terry Wharton, who passed away aged 83 on Saturday, January 3, with emotional tributes pouring on social media.

The legendary winger made close to 250 appearances between 1959 and 1968, scoring 69 league goals and becoming famed for his precise penalty-taking.

Terry Wharton, Wolves legend, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Premier League tribute, former Wolves winger, Molineux hero, Stan Cullis, Bolton footballer, West Brom vs Wolves, Wolves hat-trick
Wolves mourn the loss of former player Terry Wharton. Image credit: Josh Chadwick
Source: Getty Images

Wolves confirms Terry Wharton's passing

On Saturday afternoon, Wolves broke the sad news via a statement on X, writing:

''We are saddened by the passing of our former winger Terry Wharton at the age of 83, after a short illness. Terry made more than 200 appearances for the club and was a key part of our side during the 1960s, including the LA Wolves team, which won the United Soccer Association championship in 1967.

Read also

Sudden death of talented footballer leaves clubs in mourning

''Everyone at Wolves sends their condolences to Terry's friends, family, and loved ones, and supporters will have the chance to pay their respects during a pre-match tribute at Molineux this afternoon.''

According to the Premier League, in a subsequent club statement, Terry Wharton joined Wolves as his first club on his 15th birthday and turned professional two years later, in October 1959.

He made his senior debut under the guidance of legendary manager Stan Cullis in November 1961, marking the occasion with a goal in a 2-0 victory over Ipswich Town, kicking off a memorable career at Molineux.

Soon established as the club’s first-choice right winger, Wharton held the spot for the next five seasons, enjoying a career highlight in 1963 when he scored a hat-trick during a 7-0 demolition of local rivals West Bromwich Albion.

Despite Wolves dropping to the second division in the mid-1960s, Wharton played a key role in their 1967 promotion back to the top flight, netting 17 goals that season, as The Daily Star noted.

Terry Wharton, Wolves legend, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Wolves winger, Molineux hero, Wolves history, Premier League tribute, English football legend, Bolton footballer, Stan Cullis, West Brom vs Wolves, Wolves hat-trick, Wolves promotion 1967
Former Wolves winger Terry Whatson dies on January 3, 2026. Image credit: WolvesFPA
Source: Twitter

Reacting to Whatson's demise, one fan Paul Mcness, wrote:

Read also

International boxer tragically dies aged 25, as sad tributes pour in

''Sincere condolences to Terry,s family and friends at this sad time. From a Kidderminster Harriers fan.''

Another person named Russell Jones, said:

''So so sad to hear this news. A wonderful man, with an infectious sense of humour. Had the pleasure of getting to know him during the filming of the LA Wolves documentary. Love to all of the family. Rest in peace Terry.''

A third fan, Dennis Makori, commented:

''Maybe you should be happy instead and celebrate his life achievements so far.... getting to 83 is not a mean achievement.''

Meanwhile, Wolves' Former Players Association also took to X to share their message of condolence, commenting:

''Terry had arrived at Wolves as a 16-year-old on the groundstaff – he was once Billy Wright’s bootboy – and progressed from playing amateur games on the Racecourse to the first team, including scoring a hat trick vs WBA. A fantastic supporter of the FPA, he will be sadly missed.''

Wolves will welcome West Ham to Molineux Stadium this Saturday, January 3, for a highly anticipated Premier League clash, with further tributes planned for Terry Wharton ahead of kickoff.

Read also

Chelsea confirm interim manager ahead of tough Man City trip

Chelsea's Marvin Hinton's death

Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported the demise of former Chelsea star Marvin Hinton, who died on Tuesday, December 2, at the age of 85.

The club paid tribute to the legendary defender, honouring his vital role in Chelsea’s FA Cup-winning team and celebrating a career that left a lasting mark on the club and its supporters.

Source: YEN.com.gh

Authors:
Gariba Raubil avatar

Gariba Raubil (Sports Editor) Gariba Raubil is a skilled content writer and journalist with over 14 years of experience in sports journalism. He is a CAF and FIFA-accredited reporter and has been a member of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) since 2020. He has covered several international tournaments including two All Africa Games in 2015 and 2023. He also reported on the 2017 CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon and the 2018 Women’s AFCON. Email: gariba.raubil@yen.com.gh