Ex-England Boss Dies, 84

Tributes have flooded in for former West Ham and England manager Ron Greenwood who has died at the age of 84 at his Suffolk home after a long illness.

He was West Ham manager from 1961 to 1974 and general manager at Upton Park until becoming England boss when Don Revie resigned

He was in charge for 5 years from 1977 to 1982, retiring after England’s failed campaign in Espana ‘82

Some of the tributes paid so far include :

'It would not be overstating the case to say that Ron was the single most influential figure in my career. He opened the door to the world of modern football and I consider it a privilege to have played for him “ Sir Geoff Hurst

Sir Trevor Brooking, who played for Greenwood at both club and international level, said: 'Ron was one of the best coaches this country ever produced. He put the players at the centre of his coaching and made sure that we went onto the pitch to express and enjoy ourselves.”

England's most capped player Peter Shilton said Greenwood was 'ahead of his time.'

He said: 'It's very sad news. Ron was a real football man in the sense that he loved to play the right way. I was very lucky to be associated with the England team when Ron was in charge. He appreciated quality players and skill, which is what you need at international level.'

Striker Tony Woodcock was handed his debut by Greenwood in 1978.

He said: 'His attitude towards the game was first-class and I'm sure the players that worked with him learned a hell of a lot about football. He was an absolute gentleman.'

FA chairman Geoff Thompson said: 'Ron was a great manager who made an enormous contribution to the English game. He was a football man and a true gentleman who will be greatly missed.”

Greenwood leaves a widow, Lucy, two children, five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

There will be a minute's silence at Upton Park before the Hammers' Premiership game against Birmingham City on Monday.