Progress row over field tribute to Wolves legend Norman Deeley

May 13 2008 By Tony Deeley

A PLAYING field which is to be renamed this summer in honour of Wolves and England football legend Norman Deeley has yet to be prepared for the ceremony, a councillor complained today.

Wednesbury-born Deeley, who scored two goals in Wolves 3-0 F A Cup Final victory over Blackburn Rovers in 1960, died in September last year, aged 73, having devoted the last years of his life to protesting against the lack of sports facilities in the area for youngsters.

The popular winger had supported a successful campaign by former Sandwell mayor, Coun Bill Archer, a fellow pupil of Holyhead Road School, to save the Bilston Road playing fields where he honed his soccer skills as a lad.

A more recent campaign to have the site re-named after Deeley was also given the backing of Sandwell Council.

But Coun Archer said that with the ceremony just weeks away the council had done no practical work to prepare for the event, apart from cutting the grass.

Coun Linda Horton, cabinet member for leisure and culture, said the council was aiming for mid-July for the ceremony.

"Obviously, the area will be tidied up in preparation," she said.

"Plans are progressing but are not finalised yet."