Former England and Sheffield United goalkeeper Alan Hodgkinson dies

Former England goalkeeper and Sheffield United legend Alan Hodgkinson has died at the age of 79.

Hodgkinson spent his entire professional career at Bramall Lane, after joining the Blades from Worksop Town for £250 in 1953, and played 674 competitive games for the club.

He was an automatic selection for the team between 1957 and 1963 and is second only to Joe Shaw in terms of matches played for United.

Hodgkinson made his England debut against Scotland in 1957 and went on to make four further appearances for his country. He was a member of the England squads for the 1958 and 1962 World Cups but was not selected for any of the matches.

After retiring as a player in January 1971 he moved into coaching and became one of the first specialist goalkeeper coaches.

Hodgkinson coached at a number of clubs including Manchester United, Rangers, Everton and Manchester City. He spent seven years at Old Trafford and nurtured Peter Schmeichel. He also worked as Scotland's goalkeeping coach, where he tutored the likes of Jim Leighton and Andy Goram.

Former England goalkeeper David Seaman and ex-Wales international Neville Southall were other big names to be coached by Hodgkinson during his lengthy career.

Hodgkinson, who only retired from coaching in August 2012 after a spell with Oxford United, was awarded an MBE in 2008 for his services to football.

Sheffield United co-owner Kevin McCabe paid tribute to Hodgkinson on the club's official website.

"We are all feeling his loss and our heartfelt condolences go to his wife Brenda and his family," he said.

"Hodgy made a real impression on the game, not only here in Sheffield with the Blades but elsewhere where he was a great coach and helped the development of many goalkeeping names such as David Seaman and Peter Schmeichel.

"I was one of the fortunate ones to see Alan play - he was an outstanding goalkeeper. Growing up watching the Blades, Alan, along with centre-half Joe Shaw, was one of my first heroes back in the late 50s and 60s.

"He was a special man who I was fortunate enough to spend many hours with when he returned to watch the Blades. He will always be remembered by United as a true legend of the Lane."

Schmeichel and Goram also took to social media to pay tribute to Hodgkinson.

"My good friend and first gk coach at Man Utd has sadly passed away. My condolences to his family and friends. May he Rest In Peace," tweeted Schmeichel.

Goram wrote: "OMG...so sad news of my lifetime coach Alan Hodgkinson passing away. He was my guru and a father to me. A legend! Thoughts with U Brenda."