Ex-Sheffield United goalkeeper Alan Hodgkinson dies Published duration 9 December 2015

image copyright Pete Norton/Getty Images image caption Alan Hodgkinson made 674 appearances for Sheffield United

Former Sheffield United and England goalkeeper Alan Hodgkinson has died aged 79 after an illness.

Hodgkinson, who went on to be a coach and was credited with bringing Peter Schmeichel to Manchester United, made 674 appearances for the Blades.

In a statement the club said: "'Hodgy' is, without doubt, one of the finest goalkeepers to have graced our club in its long history."

He went on to work with teams including Manchester Utd, Oxford and Gillingham.

He was also the goalkeeping coach for the Scottish national side.

A spokesman for Sheffield United said: "Sincere condolences from everyone at Bramall Lane will be passed to his wife, Brenda, and the remainder of the Hodgkinson family.

"Rest in peace, 'Hodgy'."

image copyright Getty Images image caption Alan Hodgkinson, seen here playing an FA Cup match against Chelsea in 1967, later worked with clubs including Manchester United, Oxford, Gillingham and the Scottish national team

Paying tribute to his former mentor, Schmeichel wrote on Twitter : "My good friend and first gk coach at @ManUtd has sadly passed away. My condolences to his family and friends. May he rest in peace."

Born at Laughton Common in August 1936, Hodgkinson was signed by Sheffield United from Worksop Town for the sum of £250 after a trial in 1953.

During his playing career he won five England caps between 1957 and 1960.

He went on to work as a goalkeeping coach at several clubs and as an assistant manager at Gillingham before he retired from football after a career spanning 60 years in 2012.

Speaking in 2012 he said: "It's been a very long journey, but all journeys must come to an end."

image copyright Twitter image caption Alan Hodgkinson is credited with discovering Peter Schemichel

Related Topics Oxford

Sheffield

Gillingham

Manchester