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Bristol City fans were today in a state of shock after club legend Gerry Gow lost his battle against cancer.

The tough-tackling midfield player, who became a cult hero among City fans in the 1970s, passed away aged 64.

News of his death was broken by his son, Chris, who posted the following message on Facebook this morning.

It read: "Today the world fell apart for our family, my beautiful dad passed away in the early hours of the morning, 64 years young he lost his battle to the most disgusting disease. Me and my family are broken hearted and nothing will ever fill the void in our hearts RIP my hero my best mate my dad xxxxx."

Born in Glasgow in 1953, Gow joined City in 1969 and made his debut as a 17-year-old. He went on to make 375 appearances for the club in an 11-year-career at Ashton Gate, endearing himself to supporters and becoming one of the most popular players ever to turn out for City.

Proof of his enduring popularity was provided in 2012, when more than 3,000 fans flocked to a testimonial game between Bristol City and Manchester City.

Manchester City fans will also be saddened by today's news. Gow left BS3 to join the Maine Road club in 1980 and appeared in the City side that contested the 100th FA Cup final against Tottenham at Wembley a year later.

But the Scot will be best remembered for his exploits in a City shirt. He was a member of the legendary team that achieved promotion to the old First Division under inspirational manager Alan Dicks in 1976.