Wolves mourn Dougan death

The former Northern Ireland international, who also had spells with Portsmouth, Blackburn, Aston Villa, Peterborough and Leicester, scored 123 goals for the midlands club and helped them win the 1974 League Cup.

Dougan was also known for his outspoken remarks as chairman of the Professional Footballers Association.

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A Wolves spokesperson said: "We are very saddened to hear of the death of one of the most talented players ever to wear a Wolverhampton Wanderers shirt."

Dougan, who won 43 caps for Northern Ireland, was born in Belfast in 1938 and began his footballing career with Lisburn Distillery.

Portsmouth brought him to England in 1959 but was with Wolves, his sixth English club, when he really found his home after joining them in 1967.

After retirement he had a short stint as a player in the United States before later going on to take up a position with the PFA and, briefly, as chief executive at Wolves.

Dougan is thought to have died suddenly at his home in Wolverhampton.

Jim Boyce, president of the Irish Football Association, led the tributes to Dougan.

He told Sky Sports News: "He was a bit of a legend in Northern Ireland football history.

"It's a very sad day.

"Derek was over in Belfast two years ago when we celebrated our 125th anniversary dinner and he was in good spirits.

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"He was known as a jovial character, who always kept people entertained."

Dougan was regarded as an outspoken figure during his period as PFA chairman.

Boyce added: "Derek was outspoken. Probably for that, he got some publicity that at times was a little bit unfair to him.

"He had his own strong views.

"If someone believes in something, it's better to be open and honest about it than saying at times what people might want to hear.

"He was a controversial character as well. But, as I say, he was well respected by Northern Ireland fans.

"In his time, he was an exceptionally good centre-forward. I would describe him in the old mould of centre-forwards.

"He was obviously very, very popular at Wolverhampton, where he spent most of his career."