Tony Knapp dead aged 86: Southampton lead the outpour of tributes as club legend passes away

SOUTHAMPTON legend Tony Knapp has passed away aged 86.

Tributes have been made to the former defender who also played for Leicester, Coventry, Tranmere and the Los Angeles Wolves.

PATony Knapp has passed away aged 86[/caption]

Southampton have led the tributes for the former defenderRex

Knapp made 260 appearances for Southampton between 1961-67, scoring twice.

As captain he helped the Saints achieve promotion to the top-flight in 1965 and retired from playing seven years later following a spell at Poole Town.

Knapp then ventured into management and managed the Iceland national team between 1974-77.

Next he spent several years in Norway, winning the league and cup double with Viking in 1979.

Another spell with Iceland followed before Knapp finished as a runner-up in the Norwegian cup final with SK Brann.

The Saints led the tributes with a statement that read: “Southampton is saddened to learn of the passing of Tony Knapp, who made 260 appearances for the club between 1961 and 1967.

“Our thoughts are with Tony’s family and loved ones.”

A fan wrote: “Such sad news .”

Another added: “What a privilege it was to learn football from Tony Knapp! Fantastic at defensive organization and way ahead of its time at match analysis.

“I have an incredible amount of good memories from the time with Tony in Staal. Rest in peace ”