Alan Suddick spent 10 years with Blackpool from 1966-1976

Former Blackpool favourite Alan Suddick has died at the age of 64.

The England under-23 international inside-right lost his fight against cancer after four weeks in hospital battling myloma.

Former Blackpool captain Jimmy Armfield told BBC Radio Lancashire: "Fans always liked Alan. He was a good lad, he smiled his way through life.

"I've been most weeks to see him since December, it was remarkable how well he was handling it."

Suddick joined Blackpool from Newcastle in 1966 for a then-club-record £63,000 and went on to make more than 300 appearances for the club in 10 years.

He was part of the team that won promotion to the First Division in 1970 and played a prominent role in the club winning the Anglo Italian Cup in 1971.

Armfield said: "The modern game would have suited him. It's not as tough today in my opinion.

606: DEBATE Pay tribute to Suddick

"People used to come in from behind and tackle you and knock you around and the referees weren't as severe then so consequently it would have suited him."

After leaving Blackpool, Suddick had short spells with Stoke, Southport and Bury before managing Barrow on a part-time basis.

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