FORMER Wanderers manager Stan Anderson has passed away at the age of 85.

Born in Horden, County Durham, Anderson played more than 500 games for Sunderland as a wing-half, also representing Newcastle United and Middlesbrough. He remains the only player to have captained all of the North East clubs.

He was capped twice by England as was a part of the 1962 World Cup squad before moving into management at Ayresome Park.

Anderson took charge of AEK Athens and had spells as assistant at QPR and Doncaster Rovers before coming to Burnden Park as Ian Greaves’ number two in November 1978 to replace George Mulhall.

Greaves’ departure in January 1980 saw Anderson given the reins on a temporary basis but his full-time appointment in February was marked with a 1-0 victory over Brian Clough’s European Cup holders Nottingham Forest.

Wanderers failed to turn around a dreadful start to the season and were relegated to the Second Division. There, despite retaining a strong squad and adding the likes of Brian Kidd to the ranks, Bolton struggled once again, finishing just two places above the relegation zone.

Mulhall – who had returned as assistant in March – was then promoted to the position of manager in May 1980, despite Anderson having two years left to run on his contract.

After leaving Bolton, Anderson scouted for various clubs including Manchester City and Sunderland.

A statement from Wanderers read: “The thoughts of everybody connected with Bolton Wanderers are with his family, friends and former colleagues during this sad time.”