Former Shrewsbury Town forward Ray Russell dies aged 88

Russell scored 55 goals in 168 games for Town, which still sees him in the club’s all-time top 10 goalscorers.

He spent six years at Shrewsbury and was part of a promotion-winning campaign in 1958-59 before moving on to pastures new 12 months later.

Russell joined the club in May 1954 and scored on his debut in a 2-2 draw against Brentford at Gay Meadow early in the 1954-55 season.

Speaking to the Shropshire Star in 2011, he revealed how he was unsure whether he would be good enough for the Football League.

"When I signed for Shrewsbury, I said I would come part-time initially because I didn't know if I was good enough to get in the first team," he said.

"It meant I carried on my job as a saw doctor in the timber industry for a year.

"Shrewsbury played the first game of my first season and lost (4-1 to Southend) and I wasn't included. But I was picked for the second game – we drew and I scored.

"I went on to make a good number of appearances so went full time the following season."

Russell started his career with West Bromwich Albion before spells at Kidderminster Harriers and Burton Albion.

He left Town to join Crewe Alexandra in March 1960, later having spells with Wellington Town and Halesowen Town.

A club statement read: "Ray attended a number of games at the Montgomery Waters Meadow and always enjoyed returning to watch Town play.

"The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Ray’s family and friends at this sad time."