Former Manchester United manager Frank O'Farrell has died at the age of 94.
The Irish coach succeeded managerial legend Matt Busby at Old Trafford, taking charge of United in 1971, and also had spells in charge of Leicester City - reaching the FA Cup final in 1969 - and the Iranian national team.
O'Farrell won nine caps for the Republic of Ireland during a 14-year playing career, also playing for West Ham United.
"Everyone at West Ham United has been left saddened by news of the passing of Frank O’Farrell at the age of 94," a statement from the London club read.
A principled, softly-spoken, genial man who was liked and respected by all who knew him well, O’Farrell was the oldest living former West Ham player prior to his passing on Sunday morning at the age of 94 years and five months.
Everyone at West Ham United would like to express their sincere condolences to Frank’s family and friends at this sad time.
"While Frank’s 18-month reign at the United helm was an undulating affair, there is no shred of doubt that he was a talented manager and a man of unimpeachable integrity," a Man Utd statement read.
The Cork-born Ireland international ended his playing career with Weymouth, later managing the south coast side - along with stints at Torquay United and Leicester City - before his year and a half in Manchester.
"After his departure, Frank went on to manage Cardiff City and the Iran national side before putting in two more stints with Torquay ahead of retirement," United's statement continues.
"He lamented the fact that he had not been give more time to implement a long-term project at Old Trafford and, while we will never know how that might have turned out, we do know that we will always be grateful for his willingness to take the tiller at such a tricky point in the club’s history."
Torquay United, who were managed by O'Farrell both before and after his time at Old Trafford, have paid their own tributes.
"Having achieved so much at Torquay United AFC, and having laid the foundations for many of its later successes, Frank O’Farrell’s status as a Club legend is unquestionable, and although his passing leaves a void that will never be filled, we remain privileged that such a large and successful part of his career was spent at our Club," a statement from the Devon side read.
"Thanks for the memories, Frank."
