Former Wolverhampton Wanderers owner Sir Jack Hayward has died today at the age of 91.

Hayward, who was also the former chairman and life president of the club, passed away from illnesses in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The businessman was also a property developer in The Bahamas.

Under Hayward’s leadership at Wolves, he transformed Molineux from an aging stadium into one of the first modern all-seater stadiums in England. He also invested millions in the club to help them buy footballers, and achieved his lifetime goal of seeing Wolves back in the top flight when the club was promoted in 2003.

In 2007, he sold the club for £10 to Steve Morgan in return for Hayward investing £30million into the club.

Reacting to the news, current Wolves Chairman Steve Morgan said:

“Wolves are a family and we’re united in mourning at the loss of one of the Club’s, and the City’s, most cherished sons. Our most sincere condolences go out to Sir Jack’s loved ones at this very sad and difficult time.

“Sir Jack always said to me that he was a custodian of the Club during his ownership, he was merely looking after Wolves for the supporters.

“That philosophy shone through during his 17-year ownership of Wolves. Rather than trying to recoup some of his own huge outlay, he handed over Wolves in such a way that it secured even more investment into the Club.

“That kind of philanthropy didn’t only extend to Wolves, of course. The purchase of Lundy Island for the National Trust and his huge donation to help re-build a Hospital after the Falklands War, were just some examples of where he made a real and long lasting difference to causes close to his heart.

“A few months ago Sir Jack visited the Wolves Museum and was shown his own tribute in the Hall of Fame. When asked to sign the visitors’ book, his message was simple: ‘Glad to have helped.’

“That was the measure of the most generous, humble and special gentleman you could ever wish to meet. And the reality is we may never see his like again.

“On behalf of everyone connected to Wolverhampton Wanderers: thank you, Sir Jack. You’ll never be forgotten.”

In an interview with BBC Midlands last year to celebrate his birthday, this video provides a glimpse at how much Hayward was loved in the Wolverhampton area:

Mobile app users, watch the video here.