Jimmy Armfield a 'national hero' says PFA chief

Armfield, who played a club record 627 times for Blackpool, passed away this morning following a battle with cancer.

Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) chief Gordon Taylor, who counted Armfield as a personal friend, said he was "a national hero" and a "football legend".

He said: “The PFA is very sad to announce the death of Jimmy Armfield in the early hours of today.

“A national hero and football legend, Blackpool icon and captain of England as a player, successful manager with Bolton Wanderers and Leeds United, football writer with the Daily Express and renowned broadcaster with the BBC, consultant to the PFA Coaching department for the last two decades, he will be sadly missed by all who knew him and the football world is much diminished with our loss.

“He had time for everybody and made the world a better place with his love for life and all his many activities for his charities, hospitals, his church and his devotion to his wife Anne his sons Duncan and John and their wives and his grandchildren.

“He will never be forgotten and may God bless him and keep him. RIP Jimmy, it was a real privilege and pleasure to know you and you were the dearest of friends, never to be forgotten.”