Ex-Aston Villa star dead after losing battle with liver disease

A FORMER Aston Villa goalkeeper has died aged just 47 after losing his battle against liver disease.

By Anders Anglesey /

Dad-of-two Derek Dudley passed away on New Year’s Eve while surrounded by his family at his Staffordshire home.

Dudley stood in goal for Aston Villa between 1984 and 1988 and also played for rivals West Brom.

He also went on to join Torquay, Telford, Worcester, Sutton Coldfield Town, Stourbridge and Romulus and Halesowen.

Derek Dudley died on New Year's Eve TWITTER/ ROMULUS FC

TRAGIC: Derek Dudley died on New Year's Eve

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    Dudley’s former side Romulus FC paid tribute to the goalie on Twitter on New Year’s Eve.

    It said: “Roms are so sad to learn that our great friend Derek Dudley has passed away today.

    “Thoughts to Derek’s family at this time. Such sad news.”

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      “Thoughts to Derek’s family at this time”

      Romulus FC

      Following his career in football Dudley went on to teach PE before being struck down by the disease.

      He is survived by his wife Helen and two children Elizabeth, 11, and Daniel, 13.

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