Former Walsall and Wolverhampton Wanderers full-back Bill 'Chopper' Guttridge has passed away following a long battle with illness.Darlaston-born Guttridge, joined Wolverhampton as an amateur in 1947, and turned professional in 1948, he spent six years at Molineux, making just seven first-team appearances.
After joining Walsall in 1954 he went on to captain the team to successive promotions as the Saddlers climbed from Division Four to Division Two between 1959 and 1961.
A cartilage injury forced his retirement from the game at the age of 31, though he remained in football, taking a coaching role at Walsall before managing Darlaston and later Macclesfield Town.
We would like to pass offer our sincere condolences to 'Choppers' family and friends at this sad time.