A new £18.5 million leisure centre dedicated to Shropshire’s former Wolves and England goalkeeper Bert Williams has sparked criticism – because it does not have his name on it.

Bert, 91, from Shifnal, who first played football on the land where the development stands in Bilston, near Wolverhampton, admitted today he was ‘disappointed’ by the move.

The decision has sparked widespread criticism and a protest petition.

Mr Williams, who officially opened the centre earlier this month, said at his home: “It was the proudest moment of my life when I heard it was being called the Bert Williams Leisure Centre, and it is sad the council has chosen not to put the name on the building.

“It would be a wonderful gesture if that omission was corrected.”

Lord Bilston, former Wolverhampton South East MP Dennis Turner, said: “It would be churlish not to complete the job properly and put the name of Bert Williams where it belongs – up in lights with illuminated, prominently displayed lettering on the building.”

Hundreds of people have already signed a petition that echoes that sentiment.

Tom Fellows, secretary of the Lower Bradley Residents Association which organised the protest, said: “The facilities are superb and it was right and proper that the centre should be named after Bert who is Bradley-born, proud of his roots and a local legend.”

Mr Fellows, admitted he was totally baffled by the omission, added: “It makes no sense to fail to acknowledge that fact by putting his name where everybody can see it.”

The centre is expected to attract 200,000 visitors each year.

Tina Clark, Wolverhampton City Council’s head of the service department for leisure and culture, said: “The name of Bert Williams was not put on the side of the building because it was felt this would detract from the design and encourage vandalism.”

Nicknamed The Cat, Mr Williams spent most of his playing career at Wolves in the 1940s and 1950s, making nearly 400 appearances and winning the league title and FA Cup.

Mr Williams also won 30 caps for England and was in goal for the 1950 World Cup, when USA stunned the world by beating England 1-0.

By John Scott