Funeral for Wolves favourite Stephen 'Smithy' Smith

Staff gathered outside the Molineux before the procession led to Bushbury Crematorium where ex-Wolves forward Steve Bull joined director John Gough amongst those in attendance.

In an unconventional service, Mr Smith had a Wolves coffin with 'Smithy 1' on the side and music played included former WWF star Hulk Hogan's theme music, Girls Aloud songs and fittingly The Liquidator.

A Wolves spokesman said: "It was a very sad occasion, but also a celebration and a fitting tribute to one of life's true characters.

"The number of staff who stood outside to pay tribute as the cortège passed Molineux, and those past and present staff who joined Steven's family and friends at the service, showed just how fondly he was regarded by everyone who worked with him at Wolves.

"As was said in the service, Smithy was a kind man and a gentle man, with a seemingly endless stream of fundraising ideas, always designed with the selfless aim of helping local charities.

"Wolves Vice-President Steve Bull, club secretary Richard Skirrow and director John Gough were among the mourners who heard both the Hulk Hogan theme tune and a track from Girls Aloud as part of the service.

"That was Smithy to a tee - leaving everyone with a smile on their face - and although he no longer worked at the club, he remained a regular and popular visitor and he is going to be sadly missed.

"The club again send their sincere condolences to Smithy's sisters Pat and Joanne, his brother Malcolm, and his beloved Auntie Dot.

"They certainly gave him a wonderful send-off and he will never be forgotten."

Tributes poured in online too, with former Wolves goalkeeper Matt Murray tweeting: 'Smithy's funeral today. He was Wolves through and through. Will be emotional. Glad the lads got a win for him last night.'

Mr Smith died after a short illness aged 48 at New Cross Hospital on Saturday, February 25.

The Wolves stalwart worked at the club for 20 years up until leaving in 2013, but was still very well known to everyone and continued to attend matches.

Mr Smith, known as Smithy, was much loved-by players and staff and carried out a variety of roles at Molineux, including working in ticket office, at the training ground, car parks, doing the post, and even filled in as mascot Wolfie.

His varied interests included wrestling and Girls Aloud, and he was well known for planning and organising fundraising events for charities. One of these included a 24-hour darts session at Molineux.

His parents have both passed away but he leaves sisters Pat and Joanne, brother Malcolm, and his much-loved Auntie Dot who he spent a lot of time with.

Mr Smith memorably had his 40th birthday party at Molineux's Terrace Bar, with former boss Mick McCarthy, Terry Connor and players popping in to enjoy proceedings after an away game.

Eldest sister Pat said: "He was one of a kind, our Steven. We all loved him so much and are going to miss him terribly."

A fundraising page by staff to help the family pay for Mr Smith's funeral costs, reached £3,570, comfortably surpassing the £2,000 target, including donations from former and current players, as well as donations from club officials.