World Cup winner, ex-England captain and Blackpool great Jimmy Armfield has died at the age of 82.
“Blackpool Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of its record appearance holder and vice-president Jimmy Armfield at the age of 82,” said a statement from the club.
Club deeply saddened to learn of the passing of its record appearance holder and Vice-President Jimmy Armfield. https://t.co/60nbiaARU2 pic.twitter.com/VQayAI96WO
— Blackpool FC (@BlackpoolFC) January 22, 2018
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to Jimmy’s wife Anne, his two sons, Duncan and John, and the rest of the Armfield family at this time.”
Armfield captained Blackpool for more than 10 of his 17 years at the club and was capped 43 times for England, with 15 of those occasions as skipper.
He was one of two Blackpool players along with Alan Ball named in England’s 1966 World Cup winning squad, although injury denied him an appearance at the tournament due to injury.
We are saddened to hear that former @BlackpoolFC & @England skipper Jimmy Armfield has passed away. Our thoughts are with his friends & family at this time. pic.twitter.com/p0iZcSBIey
— The FA (@FA) January 22, 2018
Only players who were on the pitch in the final received winners’ medal but what was rectified 43 years later when Armfield eventually received his medal.
He was inducted into Blackpool’s Hall of Fame in 2006 and Bloomfield Road’s newly-constructed South Stand was named in his honour in 2010 with a statue commissioned by the Blackpool Supporters’ Association erected outside the ground the following year.
Saddened to hear that Jimmy Armfield has passed away. A wonderful footballer and England captain who went on to be a terrific broadcaster of the game he loved, and, most importantly, he was a delightful man. He’ll be much missed. #RIPJimmy
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) January 22, 2018
In a statement to the Blackpool Gazette Armfield’s 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 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.
43 #ThreeLions appearances and a #WorldCup medal.
Rest in peace, Jimmy Armfield. pic.twitter.com/593Tous14N
— England (@England) January 22, 2018
“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.”
