Robert Plant and ex-Wolves captains salute fan

Two hundred and fifty Wolves fans - including Led Zeppelin star Robert Plant - have celebrated the life of a well-known supporter at the launch of his new book.

Plant, who is Wolves vice-president, was joined by former captains Ruben Neves and Conor Coady, plus fans' favourite George Elokobi, in delivering video messages for Steve Plant, who died at the age of 63, just before the book was published.

He had organised a launch for his latest Wolves-related book, titled Old Gold and Black, along with a football memorabilia exhibition in Wolverhampton.

His family and close friends ensured the event, on Sunday, still took place, with money raised going to Birmingham Children's Hospital.

"In recent days, so much has been spoken of Steve's story, his connection and tireless contribution to all things Wolverhampton Wanderers and in fact all things Wolverhampton and the Black Country," Robert Plant said.

"And the ends to which he went to to bring an amazing pictorial vision of the crazy times of Wolverhampton Wanderers.

"Now Steve leaves us with his final pride and joy and posthumously I congratulate him on this great new work."

The book's foreword was written by Neves, feted as one of the greatest midfielders in Wolves' history.

"It is an honour for me to be part of this for obvious reasons." said the 27-year-old, who now plays in Saudi Arabia.

"That six years at Wolves meant a lot to me and to my family and we see you as a big family, not only the football club, but everywhere," Neves added.

"This is even more special because this is a tribute to someone who spent their life supporting Wolves, who loved Wolves and I hope he can feel the love of everyone and I'm sure he'll be very proud of this."

Neves assumed the captaincy at Molineux from Conor Coady, who was skipper when Wolves recorded back-to-back seventh places in the Premier League and reached the quarter finals of the Europa League.

"It's a massive thank you from me and my family for what you did for me, what you did for our great club, because that's what it is, an incredible football club and it's your football club," Coady said.

"What you did for all those charities and the books you wrote, and the books I've got here in my house and I look at them every day, remembering the times from those great days that we had," Coady added.

"I just want to promise you mate that I don't think any person from Wolverhampton, any person who knows you, any person who knows what you've done for that city and that football club, will ever forget."

The first match-worn shirt that Mr Plant bought to start his collection in 2009 was worn by defender George Elokobi.

"Steve was a special friend, a special human being and a fantastic supporter," the current Maidstone manager said.

"It was really, really devastating news when I heard it. Steve was such a humble person."

Elokobi, who spent more than six years with Wolves added: "I'm honoured to know that my shirt was an inspiration to Steve and I can't speak highly enough of him.

"His memory, his legacy will live with me, with so many people, especially the Wolverhampton faithful for the rest of our lives."

Old Gold and Black is Mr Plant's fourth book and his fundraising efforts have so far raised more than £250,000.

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