Ex-Blackpool and England Defender Jimmy Armfield Dies Aged 82

Blackpool legend and former England captain Jimmy Armfield died Monday at the age of 82 from cancer.

According to Anna Cryer of the Blackpool Gazette, Armfield died at Trinity Hospice in Blackpool early Monday morning. His family released the following statement:

"After a long and courageous battle, our beloved husband, father, grandfather and father-in-law Jimmy Armfield, has passed away peacefully surrounded by his immediate family.

"At this time we are still in shock as we begin the grieving process. We know Jimmy was a public figure, but the family respectfully ask for privacy at this time.

"We have many wonderful messages of love and support, for which we are grateful, and moved by all the kind words.

"We would also like to thank all the magnificent and dedicated NHS staff who have kept Jimmy, and the family, as well as possible over the ten years of his illness.

"During the last few days Trinity Hospice in Blackpool made a big difference to Jimmy as he slipped away, pain free at last."

Armfield was diagnosed with cancer for a second time in 2017.

The right-back spent his entire career with Blackpool, making 627 appearances for the club in a 17-year career spanning from 1954 to 1971.

He also earned 42 caps for England, captaining the Three Lions on 15 occasions, and he was part of the World Cup-winning squad in 1966.

His club and the Football Association paid tribute to him on Twitter:

Tributes also poured in from footballers, broadcasters and pundits alike:

Following his retirement from playing in 1971, Armfield took charge of Bolton Wanderers as a manager and won the Football League Third Division with them in 1973.

Two years later, his Leeds United side finished as runners-up in the 1975 European Cup final to Bayern Munich.

Armfield retired from management in 1978, having guided Leeds to consistent top-10 finishes throughout his four years at the club, and became a journalist with the Daily Express, a position he occupied until 1991.

He also spent over 30 years working as a commentator for BBC Radio 5 Live, a role for which he is perhaps best known to younger generations.