 Jimmy Armfield retired from football in 1971 |
Fans and soccer stars of yesteryear will gather at Blackpool FC on Friday for a celebration dinner honour Jimmy Armfield's 70th birthday. Manchester-born Mr Armfield, who played 600 plus games for the Seasiders and 43 times for England, made Blackpool his home following wartime evacuation.
Blackpool Council flew a tangerine flag in his honour from the town hall on Wednesday for his birthday.
He was given the freedom of the resort in 2003.
Mr Armfield was further honoured earlier this year when he was made High Sheriff of Lancashire.
Civic tribute
Tangerines' fans were especially pleased with the civic tribute.
"We are delighted that we have been able to work with the council to arrange the flag to be flown from the town hall," said Glenn Bowley of Blackpool Supporters' Association.
"It's a unique and fitting way for the town to honour such a true great on his special day."
He retired from playing in 1971 but went on to manage Bolton Wanderers and Leeds United, who he took to the European Cup Final in 1975.
Mr Armfield moved into sports journalism and is a BBC summariser on Five Live.
He was involved in the FA's headhunting for an England manager that ended in the appointment of Terry Venables.
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