A FLORAL tribute to soccer legend Wilf Mannion marks the first anniversary of his death.
The wreath, laid by Middlesbrough Football Club, where the Golden Boy spent his heyday, lies at the foot of his statue, at the Riverside Stadium. While no formal ceremony was held to mark the year since he died, last April 14, a club spokesman said it was a day that will be long remembered.
"We laid the wreath on behalf of the club to show our respect for Wilf Mannion, one of the greatest-ever players who was held in high regard by the club and Middlesbrough in general," he said.
Mannion still holds the record for the highest number of England caps for Middlesbrough. He died aged 81, leaving a son and two daughters.
The unassuming former shipyard welder would have approved of the solemnity of the wreath laying, conducted without fuss and with no TV or Press cameras.
More than 40 years have passed since Wilf played football. However, the man who scored 110 goals, played 368 games and represented England 26 times is still spoken of with affection and respect
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