Ex-Lincoln player and manager Thompson dies aged 70

Thompson had two spells as a Lincoln player before taking over as manager in 1990

Former Lincoln City player and manager Steve Thompson has died aged 70 following a lengthy battle with cancer.

Thompson, who had two spells with the Imps as a central defender, was appointed as manager in 1990 and successfully kept the club in the Football League.

After leaving Sincil Bank in 1993, he then managed Southend, Notts County and Cambridge, as well as guiding another of his former clubs, Sheffield United, to the second-tier play-offs as caretaker boss.

Thompson subsequently became a regular co-commentator and matchday analyst on Imps games for BBC Radio Lincolnshire.

In between his playing spells with Lincoln, he also captained Charlton to promotion to the top flight in 1986 and had a brief spell at Leicester before joining the Blades and then returning to Lincoln.

Lincoln chairman Clive Nates told the club's website: "I'd like to offer condolences to Steve's family from everyone at the club.

"He was a huge character right until the end of his life. I am very grateful for the kindness he showed me and my family, and he leaves a lasting legacy."

City will hold minute's applause prior to Saturday's League One fixture against Mansfield to honour Thompson, along with former Imps forward Ron Harbertson, who died earlier this week.