Fleetwood chairman Pilley remembers '˜total gentleman' Armfield

Pilley paid tribute to the Seasiders great, who represented his country and played for Blackpool from 1954-71.

Pilley followed Blackpool in his younger days and says he has always respected Armfield, a man who gave him some valued advice when they met.

Pilley said: “On behalf of everyone at Fleetwood Town I’d like to offer my condolences to the family and friends of Jimmy Armfield.

“Jimmy wasn’t just a legend of football, but a legend of the whole of the Fylde coast.

“Not only did he have a fantastic career and captain his country but off-the-field he was involved in so many things across the Fylde and did so much for charity.

“As someone who followed Blackpool in my younger days, Jimmy was always someone I had huge respect for and looked up to .

“And that’s something which has carried on to this day as chairman of Fleetwood Town Football Club.

“He was always warm, welcoming, knowledgable and above all a total gentleman who was always quick to offer an opinion or word of advice when I saw him.

“He will be a great loss to the whole of football. May he rest in peace.”