Mansfield Town’s first ever black player Lindy Delapenha has died aged 89.
The winger joined the Stags in 1958 for a ‘substantial fee’ after a highly successful eight-year spell with Middlesbrough, where he netted 90 goals.
The 89-year-old died peacefully yesterday morning at his daughter’s home in Kingston, Jamaica, after reportedly suffering a series of strokes in the previous week and losing his speech.
He made 120 appearances for Mansfield in a three year spell, scoring 27 goals.
His stint at the Stags ended with a move to Hereford United who were then a non-league club.
At the conclusion of his playing career, he returned to Jamaica where he ultimately attained a senior position with the sports department of the Jamaican Broadcasting Corporation.
In 2000, he featured on two Jamaican postage stamps ($25 and $100) in the series ‘Tribute for Sport.’
He is survived by his daughters Marie Claire and Linda, as well as grandchildren, including Miss Jamaica World 2008 Brittany Lyons.
In remembrance of Lindy’s service to the club, Mansfield Town will hold a minute’s applause before tomorrow’s match at home to Leyton Orient.
