The ex-midfielder had been battling with cancer for many years.

Cartwright, born in Birmingham, moved to Wolves from non-league Brierley Hill in 1980 having been signed by John Barnwell.

He made his debut aged just 18 as a substitute in a 4-1 Second Division defeat to Oldham in November 1982, scoring his first goal against Middlesbrough a month later in a 4-0 win.

He was a regular as Wolves won promotion to the top flight that season and stayed with the club as they dropped down the leagues, but was forced to retire through injury in 1986.

In total he played 68 times for Wolves, scoring twice. Cartwright later became a prison officer but was forced to leave the profession in the 1990s after suffering a fractured skull.

He contract terminal kidney cancer in 2005. An all-star Wolves v Albion game was held a year later to raise funds

Wolves said: "All at Wolves are saddened to hear of the passing of former midfielder Ian Cartwright, who has died at the age of 52 after battling cancer.

"Ian, nicknamed 'Iggy' made 68 appearances in all competitions for Wolves from 1982-86,& had been bravely battling cancer for over a decade.

"Our sincere condolences go to Ian's wife Julie and all of his family and friends. Rest in peace Iggy."