FORMER Bolton Wanderers manager Jimmy Armfield has passed away at the age of 82 after a battle with cancer.

It was confirmed this morning by Armfield’s family the former England international, who spent his entire playing career with Blackpool, had died at the Trinity Hospice near Poulton.

A statement from the family said: "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.

"Jimmy had two great loves, first and foremost was his family, to which he was devoted and loved dearly. The other was football, especially Blackpool, England and his colleagues at the PFA.

"Once again, the family extends its thanks as we try to come to terms in a world without Jimmy."

Armfield was dubbed the world’s finest right-back after his performances for England at the 1962 World Cup in Chile and was also a member of Sir Alf Ramsey’s World Cup winning squad four years later. He eventually earned 43 caps, 15 as captain, but stayed loyal to Blackpool through his whole playing career, amassing 568 league games for the Tangerines and 627 in total.

It was considered a huge coup for Wanderers to land one of the game’s most recognised names following the club’s relegation to the Third Division for the first time in their history in 1971 under Jimmy Meadows.

Armfield’s first act as manager was to restore Bolton’s traditional white shirt and navy blue shorts and dispense with the all-white kit which had been used previously.

His impact was immediate and though the team missed out on promotion in his first season, they had improved defensively thanks to the addition of players like Peter Nicholson, Charlie Wright, Henry Mowbray and Graham Rowe.

He also helped shape the early careers of Wanderers’ stars to come, including a young Paul Jones.

“Nat Lofthouse gave me my debut but it was Jim who really brought me and a few others through to make the team Ian Greaves eventually took on,” he told The Bolton News.

“It is a sad loss. Jim was a kind bloke, a pleasure to work for, and he will be sadly missed.”

Armfield led Bolton to a famous League Cup victory over Manchester City in which Garry Jones scored three times and the following season to promotion as champions of Division Three.

In September 1974 he accepted an offer to manage Leeds United and led the Whites to the European Cup final in 1975.

“Gentleman Jim” had another stint in charge of Leeds after the departure of Brian Clough but then concentrated on journalism, becoming one of the BBC most enduring pundits.