Footballing legend Dave Mackay, who was manager at Nottingham Forest between 1972 and 1973, has passed away at the age of 80.
Mackay, who lived in Burton Joyce, died at Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham on Monday evening (March 2).
He made a name for himself on the pitch as a hard-hitting defender for Hearts, Swindon, Derby County and Tottenham Hotspur.
The Scotsman, who made over 300 over appearances for Spurs and was part of their 1961 double-winning side, also had 22 caps for his country.
In 1969, he was listed as joint-winner of the Football Writers’ Association’s Footballer of the Year award and George Best even described him as “the hardest man I have ever played against – and certainly the bravest.”
Manager
He then want on to have a successful managerial career, taking the hot-seat at a number of clubs including Derby and Nottingham Forest.
Speaking to the Nottingham Forest website, club ambassador John McGovern said: “He was an inspirational character, an inspirational person, and the football world will be sad to hear that he has passed away.”
Upon hearing the news a number of ex-footballers and clubs have shared their condolences on Twitter:
Dave Mackay will always be remembered as one of our greatest ever players and a man who never failed to inspire those around him.
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) March 2, 2015
Sorry to hear that Dave Mackay has passed away. He was a wonderful footballer, and a winner, both North and South of the border. #RIPDave
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) March 3, 2015
RIP Dave Mackay.
One of the great British players of all time,a true “Captain, leader, legend”.
— Stanley Victor Collymore (@StanCollymore) March 2, 2015
