Yes, Paul Bradshaw passed away on Wednesday, February 21, 2024. He was 67 years old at the time of his unfortunate death. His death was announced by Wolverhampton Wanderers, for whom he played as a goalkeeper and was considered family. The Wolves paid a heartfelt tribute to the late goalkeeper.
“Sadly, ‘Braddy’, as he was known by team-mates, has passed away at the age of 67, and, with his loss, departs a player who was hailed by many Wolves fans as among their favourites from the era, not to mention twice being voted the club’s Player of the Season.”
Paul was a brilliant footballer celebrated for his unparalleled skills and talent, which led his team to victories. He was more than an invaluable asset to the team; he was like a family member.
“He was undoubtedly one of the best goalkeepers in England at the time,” said former fellow Wolves star, currently chairman of the Former Players Association John Richards. “Of course, his brilliant performance in the 1980 League Cup Final helped us win the trophy.”
Who was Paul Bradshaw?
Paul William Bradshaw was a former English professional footballer. Born on April 28, 1956, he played in the Football league as a goalkeeper for several teams, including Wolverhampton Wanderers, Blackburn Rovers, West Bromwich Albion, Newport County, Bristol Rovers, and Peterborough United. He also played in the North American Soccer League for Vancouver Whitecaps.
Paul left Blackburn Rovers, joined the Wolves in 1977 as a goalkeeper, and played for seven seasons for the club, making 243 appearances. He is credited with Wolverhampton Wanderer’s 1980 League Cup victory, where his lightning instincts and fierce goalkeeping led Wolves to score the trophy 1-0 against Nottingham Forest at Wembley Stadium. It was the last time the team scored a notable win and bagged a significant trophy.
The Wolves released a statement upon learning about Paul’s death. “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Paul Bradshaw. One of the greatest ‘keeper of his era, Paul played a key role in a successful period for the club, lifting the League Cup in 1980.
“Our thoughts are with Paul’s friends, family, and loved ones,” wrote the Wolves.
Paul left Wolves in 1984 and joined the Vancouver Whitecaps, then the Vancouver 86ers, in the Canadian Soccer League. Paul retired from professional football in 1992.
Career
Paul William Bradshaw began his professional career at Blackburn Rovers and signed in June 1973. He made it to the first team the following season and made eighteen appearances in the Third Division. He rose to notoriety in the 1976-77 season with 41 appearances and in the first-ever England under-21 international match. His brilliant performance earned him widespread recognition and attention from the First Division club, Wolverhampton Wanderers.
In 1977, Paul joined the Wolves club for a record 150,000 pounds. His debut performance for the team on October 1, 1977, earned the Wolves a 3-0 victory against Leicester City and made him a beloved goalkeeper for the next five seasons. He made 243 appearances for the Wolves, and his stunning performance led his team to win the 1980 League Cup. He also played in two FA Cup semi-finals and appeared in European competitions. Paul was voted the club’s Player of the Year in 1981 and 1982.
After playing for ten more First Division games, Paul left the club and joined the Vancouver Whitecaps of the North American Soccer League in August 1984. After the crash of the American League, he returned to England and joined West Bromwich Albion in 1985 as a backup player. In 1986, he became a coach at Walsall. He soon began playing again, signed for Bristol Rovers on a non-contract basis, and played in Newport County’s final season in the Football League. In the 1990-91 seasons, he played with Peterborough United and played non-league football with Kettering Town. He retired from all forms of professional football in 1992.
The Community Mourns Paul Bradshaw
The athletic community has come together to mourn the loss of a legend. Paul’s contribution to the sport was timeless. Paul dedication and unparalleled skills scored the 1980 League Cup for the Wolves and paved the path for the next generations in goalkeeping. His limitless talent inspired the young athletes aspiring to become one of the best goalkeepers like him. His brilliance led him to earn the Player of the Year award in two consecutive First Division campaigns.
The community recognizes his contributions and acknowledges his crucial role in securing the trophy. They have paid homage to the late legendary goalkeeper and expressed their sadness over the loss of a talented individual. Paul’s death has carved a void into the fabric of the entire athletic community, which can never be filled.
Legendary ex-striker John Richards, currently chairman of Wolves’ Former Player Association, expressed his sorrow to a local magazine and said, “Paul was a great success at Wolves from the moment he signed from Blackburn. He was undoubtedly one of the best goalkeepers in England at the time. We know he’d been having some serious health issues, but his death is a sad loss to all his former colleagues, and we send our condolences to his family and friends.”
Former defender Geoff Palmer, who was Paul’s team-mate at Wolves and also played on the 1980 League Cup final winner team, called Paul a ‘good trainer’ and a ‘top-class goalkeeper.’ “We were always so confident in him,” he said about Paul, “and comfortable playing in front of.” He described Paul as an individual who lived to the fullest and was very friendly with everyone. In his career, Paul never ran into arguments with anyone and was a down-to-earth and kind person. Palmer called Paul’s untimely death a ‘sad loss.’
Paul Bradshaw’s Legacy
Paul Bradshaw was a celebrated professional footballer who inspired generations of young, talented athletes. His athletic prowess led his team to victories and made his mark on the athletic community. However, his impact was not confined to the playing field; he had touched many lives with humility, kindness, friendly demeanour, and generosity.
He never let his success and fame get to his head and treated everyone respectfully. Paul’s goalkeeping skills, charming personality, and kindness endeared him to many fans. His professionalism and humility set the bar high for those following his footsteps.
His professionalism, leadership, and kindness legacy will live on in the hearts of those fortunate enough to experience his warmth and witness him at his best on the field, protecting the goals with lightning instincts and swift action. The community’s combined response to his death is a testament to his immense impact on them with his contribution to the sport and highlights the endearment he received from them. He was not just a player but a symbol of Wolves’s perseverance.
To ensure that Paul’s contributions are passed on to the next generation and forever remain in the hearts of every football player, the Wolves have announced plans to honour Paul’s memory. They have expressed their sorrow over the loss of a legend and have paid a heartfelt tribute to him on their official website, in which they have celebrated his life.
Paul Bradshaw has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the football world with his athletic gifts. His illustrated career and professionalism will surely inspire generations to come. The story of his dedication, leadership, and greatness will never be forgotten.
