Wolverhampton Wanderers have announced the passing of former chairman Sir Jack Hayward.

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Hayward, who was aged 91, died in Fort Lauderdale earlier today following a battle with an illness.

During his 17-year ownership of the Black Country outfit, Wolves gained promotion to the Premier League under the management of Dave Jones in 2003.

He sold Wolves to current chairman Steve Morgan in 2007 for just £10 in return for a £30m investment into the club, while taking up the role as life president in the process.

In a statement, 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.

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"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."

Chief executive Jez Moxey added: "We're devastated at the loss of Sir Jack and, on behalf of everyone connected to the club, our hearts go out to Patti and his family.

"Sir Jack was more than just my boss for a period of time, in the same way he was so much more than simply a chairman to our legions of loyal supporters.

"Over the years he became a great friend and mentor, not only to me and my family but to many, many people associated with the club and the city."

The club have confirmed that the players will wear black armbands as a mark of respect during tonight's FA Cup replay against Fulham at Molineux.