Former West Ham United and Ipswich manager John Lyall has died of a heart attack at the age of 66.

Lyall, who spent 34 years at West Ham, played for the youth team and senior side before a knee injury ended his playing career prematurely. He started coaching under Ron Greenwood before succeeding his mentor in 1974.

He led the east London side to two FA Cup victories in 1975 and 1980 as well as a European Cup Winners’ Cup final in 1976.

“It is another very sad day for West Ham United after the loss of Ron Greenwood just two months ago,” current West Ham boss Alan Pardew told the club’s offical website.

“Like Ron, John did so much to build the footballing beliefs and values that this club is built on.

“To win the FA Cup twice and lead the club to it’s highest-ever league finish tells you just how much of an impact John Lyall made on the history of West Ham United, and his contribution will never be forgotten.

“I am sure that our supporters will pay tribute to John’s memory in a fitting manner at our FA Cup semi-final at Villa Park on Sunday and we as a team will do the same.”

Lyall joined Ipswich Town in May 1990 and stayed five years.

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