Tributes paid to former Black Country football manager who discovered stars of the future

Steve Daniels, aged 72, passed away on Friday his family said.

Mr Daniels was known as a colourful character who managed Cradley Town FC twice and sent players like Jon Ford, Alan Nicholls and John Williams onto league clubs like Swansea, Coventry and Plymouth where they would go on to have successful careers.

The lifelong Wolves fan also had a spell as chief scout at Bradford City and was the last manager at Bromsgrove Rovers when they folded in 2010.

He also went into politics and after being a lifelong Labour party member, defected to UKIP in 2014 where he stood in the  borough elections and was instrumental in a campaign to save the Dudley Hippodrome

His daughter in law Abby broke the news of his death and led the family tributes on behalf of his wife of nearly 53 years Barbara.

She said: "He didn't have a very good last year health wise and was struggling with his walking but he idolised his grandkids and they will miss him so much as we all will.

"He loved nothing better than talking about his football exploits and he had a long career in the game, also giving plenty of youngsters the chance to go in to the league through his contacts and knowledge."

His son Steven played for him at Cradley Town with goalkeeper Alan Nicholls, who would go on to make over 60 appearances for Plymouth Argyle under Peter Shilton.

He said: "He loved football and had a great knack of finding talent, nurturing it and giving them a chance to play the game at a higher level - I wasn't good enough but he used to talk a lot about the ones who were and of whom he always spoke fondly."

Ex footballing colleagues and players he managed also paid tribute to him.

John Packer said; "So sorry to hear this sad news, Steve and I went to lots of Wolves matches together in the 1960's, both home and away, and both went on to manage football teams, although Steve managed at a higher level than me. Condolences to Barbara and you all.

Mark Bache, who played under Mr Daniels at Cradley Town and went on to become a manager said: " My deepest condolences to you all a true legend of local football and will be sadly missed by everyone such sad news."

Cradley Town chairman Trevor Thomas said: "I am shocked and saddened at the news of Steve's passing, he brought so many players here that nobody else could and who would go on to play at higher levels. 

"He was a football man through and through and left a legacy at Cradley Town and other clubs he was involved in."