Arsenal and Northern Ireland legend Terry Neill has died aged 80 London club has confirmed.
The Belfast-born defender joined the Gunners in 1959, aged just 17, from Bangor, Northern Ireland, and played 275 times for the club before moving to Hull City in 1970.
He only played for those two clubs in his career, although he also netted 59 caps for his country, captaining Northern Ireland, as with Arsenal.
Neill began his managerial career with Hull before his playing days were over and then took charge of the Spurs for a few years before returning to the Gunners in 1976, still at just 34 years old.
He remained the Gunners manager until 1983, winning the FA Cup in 1979 and finishing second twice, as in the 1980 Cup Winners’ Cup.
As part of a tribute to Neill, a statement from the club read: “It was with great sadness that the club learned of the passing of former manager and captain, Terry Neill, at the age of 80.
‘Terry Neill’s status as both captain and manager made him a major influence on the 20th century’ Arsenal. His fantastic contribution – and indeed his character – will always be appreciated by everyone involved with the club.
“Our thoughts are with Terry’s family and close friends at this difficult time.”
Speaking about his career and his final days, Arsenal added: ‘Despite no longer working in football management, Terry continued to be a regular at Highbury and then Emirates Stadium, including being a popular TV pundit and columnist in numerous publications.
“His larger-than-life character and willingness to talk about football with everyone has always made him a welcome figure at the club on match days.”
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