Tram named in honour of Billy Wright

May 14 2008 By Tony Deeley

OLD pals paid glowing tributes to former Wolves and England football hero Billy Wright at the naming of a tram in his honour.

The ceremony saw Wright's daughter and granddaughter - Vicky and Kelly Wright - unveil a commemorative name plaque on the Midland Metro system's tram number seven, which has been painted in the new silver and magenta Network West Midlands livery.

During 20 years Wright, who married singer Joy Beverley and died in 1994, made 490 appearances for Wolves and 105 for England, including a record 90 as captain.

Among those present for the tram-naming were ex-team mates Malcolm Finlayson, Roy Swinbourne, George Showell, Bobby Mason and Bill Slater.

Slater, who succeeded Wright as Wolves captain and led the team to victory in the 1960 FA Cup Final, described Wright as “very special”.

“This is a well-deserved honour for him today. He was an inspiring figure on the field and had a great international record. He always had time for the younger players. I never once heard him swear,” he said.

Roy Swinbourne, who starred with Wright in Wolves' famous 3-2 victory over Hungarian champions Honved in 1954, scoring two goals, said: “He was brilliant. He gave 110 per cent all the time, even in training. He loved Wolverhamptonand lived for Wolves.”

The tram naming ceremony began at the Midland Metro depot in Wednesbury and concluded in Wolverhampton.

The decision to name the tram after Billy was made after Centro held a public vote and he received 90 per cent of the poll.