Ex-Premier League goalkeeper dies after losing battle with liver disease

- Former Aston Villa and West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Derek Dudley has died

- The shotstopper died at his home in Rugeley on New Year’s Eve at 47-years of age

- Dudley popularly known as 'Mr Reliable' leaves behind two children

Former Aston Villa and West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Derek Dudley has died after losing his battle with inoperable liver disease.

The Mirror reports that the 47-year-old died on New Year's eve at his home in Rugeley.

Derek Dudley made his name at Aston Villa. Photo: The Mirror

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He leaves behind his wife Helen and his two children, Daniel, 13, and Elizabeth, 11.

Derek taught at College High, Queen Elizabeth in Atherstone and The Brades in Oldbury before his health deteriorated.

Derek Dudley in action. Photo: The Mirror

He grew up in Perry Common and spent four years at Aston Villa from 1984 to 1988 before stints at West Brom and non-league outfits like Torquay, Telford, Worcester, Sutton Coldfield Town, Stourbridge, Romulus and Halesowen.

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“Mr Reliable” was also an ever-present for Aston Villa Old Stars after retiring, helping raise £500,000 for a host of different charities.

In November, hundreds turned out to support Derek at a charity match at Sutton Coldfield Town FC, raising well over £8,000 for his family.

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Source: Sports.naija.ng

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