Sad news has broken this morning that Jimmy Armfield has passed away today at the age of 82. He had been fighting cancer for many years.
One of the great one-club players, Armfield spent all 17 years of his professional career at Blackpool, turning out on no less than 627 occasions for the Seasiders – a record unlikely to ever be surpassed.
He then served as the club’s vice-president right up until his sad passing. It’s little wonder they named a stand after him at Bloomfield Road.
At international level, the flying right-back represented England at the 1962 World Cup with great esteem before missing out on 1966 after breaking his toe during a warm-up game against Finland. That proved to be his 43rd and final appearance for his country.
Fans of a certain vintage will also remember Armfield for his excellent punditry work with BBC Radio 5 Live throughout the late 1990s and 2000s.
That warm, gentle Lancastrian burr, the unassuming presence, the deep font of knowledge.
It cannot be understated or undersold: Gentleman Jim was a proper footballing hero.
Caretaker England boss Howard Wilkinson at a 1999 press conference, angry at suggestioins he lacked international experience:
“How many England caps have you lot got betweeen you?”
Voice from the back of the room: “43.”
Jimmy Armfield, World Cup winner and Five Live pundit.
— Andy Murray (@Andy_MurrayFFT) January 22, 2018
RIP Jimmy Armfield (1935-2018)