WORLD Cup winner and Blackpool great Jimmy Armfield has died at the age of 82.
Armfield, who played 627 matches in 17 years for his only club and was part of Sir Alf Ramsey's victorious squad in 1966, was diagnosed with cancer for a second time last year.
"Blackpool Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of its record appearance holder and vice-president Jimmy Armfield at the age of 82," a statement from the club read.
Eddie Gray, who played in the 1975 European Cup under Armfield for Leeds, told the Press Association: "Jimmy steadied the ship at Leeds when Brian Clough left. It was a difficult time for the club anyway with Don Revie having left and Brian coming in and things not going too well.
"It wasn't an easy time for Jimmy to come in because the team were getting that bit older as well, but his manner, the way he conducted himself in and around the club was terrific.
"And I liked Jimmy a lot as a person, that's the most important thing. I liked him very much and always got on very well with him."
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