Former Sheffield Wednesday goalkeepers pay tribute to former England stopper Peter Bonetti, who has died aged 78

Respected as one of the most athletic and dependable keepers in the history of the game, Bonetti was part of the England squad that won the World Cup in 1966, playing deputy to the great Gordon Banks alongside Wednesday stopper Ron Springett. He died from a long illness.

Known universally as ‘the cat’, it is between the sticks for the Blues that he will be most fondly remembered, making an incredible 729 appearances across two spells at Chelsea.

Among the many goalkeepers to pay their respects on social media were a handful of Sheffield Wednesday alumni.

Chris Turner, a former coaching colleague of Bonetti’s at Wolverhampton Wanderers, said: “Sad to hear of the death of Peter Bonetti the ex Chelsea and England keeper. Peter was a great guy. I had the pleasuring of his company whilst he worked with the goalkeepers at Wolves and I was the youth team coach.

“Peter was the original Cat keeper. Thanks for the memories.”

Chris Kirkland said: “Rest in peace Peter Bonetti. I had the honour to have been trained by him with England. A true gentleman of the game.”

Mark Crossley wrote: “Sad to hear of the passing of my goalkeeping coach for England u21s Peter Bonetti, a gentleman, a great coach and a great goalkeeper in his day, RIP Peter.”