Former Shrewsbury Town keeper Steve Perks dies aged 58

Perks, who was from Much Wenlock, was Town's No.1 between 1984 and 1992, which included a large spell in the old Second Division, during Shrewsbury's greatest period.

Having progressed through the youth set-up after leaving William Brookes School aged 16, the goalkeeper made a total of 292 appearances in all competitions between his debut in the Welsh Cup in 1982, and 1992.

The goalkeeper was handed a senior bow by player-manager Graham Turner in a Welsh Cup defeat at Bangor City in February 1982.

Perks helped his side to an eighth-placed finish in the second tier in his first season as a regular in goal in 1984/85 – equalling the club's best-ever finish from the season before.

His final game was a 3-2 Gay Meadow reverse against Hull in Division Three in March 1992.

After retiring, Perks worked as an estate agent in Shrewsbury for Holland Broadbridge, a job he 'loved'. He lived in the town.

He remained active and, prior to the pandemic, would play football every Wednesday evening at Shrewsbury Academy with former team-mate and close friend Steve Cross, older brother David and a number of other friends.

Perks took over as a regular between the sticks from Ron Green – who had succeeded Steve Ogrizovic – midway through the 1984/85 season. He would remain a fine goalkeeper and outstanding servant for the remainder of the decade and into the 1990s before calling time as a professional and playing locally.

He turned out for Stafford Rangers and Wem Town after calling time on his Shrewsbury career. Perks was also a keen cricketer for Much Wenlock Cricket Club, for whom he was a lively bowler.

The former goalkeeper was described as "lovely, funny lad, who'd have everyone in stitches" by Cross, who added Perks was "one of life's nice people."

He is survived by two children.