THE most comprehensive book ever produced on Wolverhampton Wanderers’ famous gold and black shirt has been officially launched in aid of Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

‘They Wore The Shirt’ is the brainchild of die-hard Wolves fan Steve Plant, of Wordsley, and chronicles the 140 year-history of the club’s shirts in a 255-page book.

It features up-to-date photos of iconic strips including John Richards’ 1974 League Cup Final top and Roy Swinbourne’s shirt worn in the famous victory over Budapest Honved FC.

Hundreds of guests were present at Molineux for the recent launch of the book, which features a foreword from current club captain and former Thorns Community College pupil Danny Batth, as well as facts, memories and anecdotes during the years.

Steve, who first got into football memorabilia to provide an interest for his terminally ill father, said: “When I first set out on this project I wasn’t sure the dream would ever become reality, let alone culminate in such a fantastic book.

“As supporters, the strip, shirt or top – whatever you want to call it – is what unites us, and Wolverhampton Wanderers happens to boast some of the most iconic colours and designs ever produced. Some good and, admittedly, some not so good.

“I was amazed that nobody had ever tried to piece all this of this together and set about creating a publication that would celebrate our great club and educate people on our history.

“With this in mind, the project was born and we marked the launch by agreeing to donate all profits to Birmingham Children’s Hospital.”

Steve set a fundraising target of £20,000 for the children’s hospital and presented the first £5,000 at the book launch evening on Wednesday (October 5).

1877 copies of ‘They Wore The Shirt’ have been printed – marking the year the club was founded – and Walter Zenga, the current Wolves manager, was the first person to make a purchase.

113 shirts were found and photographed in total, with supporters voting the Umbro 1977-79 home top as their favourite design.

The oldest replica shirt featured is from 1908 after it was discovered in a bric-a-brac shop in Alberta in Canada by its owner, who at first thought it was an old ice hockey shirt.

“The support I’ve received has been overwhelming, from everyone at Wolves, local businesses, fellow supporters and a host of current and former players,” Steve said.

“It shows the unique fabric that makes following Wolverhampton Wanderers so special and hopefully people will love ‘They Wore The Shirt’ as much as I’ve loved putting it together.”

Danny Batth added: “The Wolves shirt is iconic in all its different versions and I think fans will enjoy taking a trip down memory lane and seeing some of the famous kits from the club's illustrious history.”

‘They Wore The Shirt’, priced £25, is now available to buy online by visiting www.theyworetheshirt.co.uk, and at the Wolves Club Shop.