Bert Loxley was part of the Sincil Bank coaching staff for 20 years

Former Lincoln City manager Bert Loxley has died aged 74 after a long illness.

Loxley joined the club in 1966 and was manager between 1970 and 1971, as well as being part of the management team which won the 1976 Division Four title.

Former Imps and England manager Graham Taylor told BBC Radio Lincolnshire: "Bert Loxley was a superb fellow, totally trustworthy.

"I have lost a very very close friend, but I think Lincoln City have lost a tremendous servant to their club."

Another former Imps manager George Kerr said: "He was strong, funny and dependable. He was the rock, he called himself the rock and will always be known as that."