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Blackpool manager Gary Bowyer has spoken to the club's website after the sad news emerged,

He said: "Jimmy is someone I got to know well during my time as Blackpool manager and I had nothing but the utmost respect and admiration for him.

His love for Blackpool knew no bounds, and I don’t think anyone will ever come close to matching the records he set with this club.

“I could listen to him talk football all day. The stories and anecdotes about his playing career, time in management and those he played with were fascinating. His passion for the game just rubbed off on you.

“I will always cherish those moments we had in my office with a cup of tea, as well as those conversations over the phone, where Jimmy would often be a sounding board for advice."

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Former Blackburn and England midfielder Bryan Douglas, speaking on Blackburn's official website: "First of all, Jimmy was a fabulous guy. He was a great mate of mine, a great friend.

"He was my roommate on many England trips, so we became very close. He was a modest person and a successful footballer but most importantly a fantastic man.

"He's going to be sadly missed. I'm so upset to hear the news.

"As a player, his record speaks for itself. He was a bit unlucky to miss out on the World Cup team, but his record with Blackpool and England is outstanding.

"He was a great footballer and a lovely man. One game that stands out was one against Spain; at that time they had two wingers that were going to tear us apart.

"Jimmy absolutely mastered their threat - he never let his club or his country down.

"We talked a lot when we were away with England before we went to sleep. I'm so upset that he's gone."

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During that memorable BBC Radio 5 Live special last year Armfield was asked by Mark Pougatch "How would you like to be remembered?"

He said: "I don't know really -- does it really matter? I've always tried to be loyal, you know, I've never left Blackpool in that respect."

"Somebody asked me once, and they said, when you see yourself now don't you wish they'd have had all the television programmes they had, you know, when you were playing.

"And I thought about it for a minute, and I said I'm not so sure really. I said it's probably better to think... let them think I was a half decent player."

Steve Rowland, secretary of Blackpool supporters trust, has also been speaking to Emma Barnett on 5 Live.

"He was a true legend," he said. "A lifelong Blackpool player which is very rare. I think everybody who saw him, and some of us were too young in our lifetime, would agree he was a huge Blackpool legend.

"I am sad he has gone before what we hope is an imminent upturn in the fortunes of the club."

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Councillor Simon Blackburn, leader of Blackpool council, has been speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live.

He said: "We've known he was unwell for some time but the way he fought his illness made you think he could overcome anything.

"His impact was absolutely huge. He found fame because of football but there was so much more to him than that. He had an incredible sense of humour. He was a big part of the community. A freeman of the borough.

"He played the organ at St Peter's church. A great guy. I think there should be a minute's silence or applause.

"We will have to show our respect for him. The flags are already lowered above the town hall.

"He was respected throughout the football world."

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Manchester United

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Armfield was good friends with Duncan Edwards and several of the other Manchester United players who died in the Munich air disaster on 6 February 1958.

"I've never really thought about whether it could've been me on that plane - but the previous year Matt Busby had made an approach to see whether I'd be interested in going to United.

"United quite often used to train at Norbreck Hydro in Blackpool and I'd gone to see quite a few of them - Duncan Edwards, Eddie Colman and the like.

"Word had got out in the press that I knew Edwards, and Joe Smith knew about this. He said to me: 'Well, Man Utd have enquired about you. You go and tell your friend Edwards that if he wants to go and tap anybody he can tap me.'

"Joining them had not really entered my mind, it was a bit of a surprise. It was the Busby Babes after all, but I would've gone.

"United's approach was at the end of 1957. Munich was the following February."

'So many hours spent listening to the voice of Jimmy Armfield. He was such a friendly, humble and kind individual. We have lost a true gentleman."

Football Focus presenter, Dan Walker.

"Saddened to hear that Jimmy Armfield has passed away. A wonderful footballer and England captain who went on to be a terrific broadcaster of the game he loved, and, most importantly, he was a delightful man. He’ll be much missed."

Match of the Day presenter and former England striker Gary Lineker

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Armfield - a life in football

• A one-club man, Armfield made 569 appearances for Blackpool between 1954 and 1971
• He also made 43 appearances for England, playing at the 1962 World Cup in Chile
• Armfield was a member of the squad in 1966 but did not play in the tournament
• He managed Bolton and Leeds - taking the latter to the 1975 European Cup final
• A respected summariser for Radio 5 live, he has worked for the BBC for more than 30 years

Armfield was born in Denton, Greater Manchester, in 1935 but moved to Blackpool during the war.

Right footed, he played on the left wing during a trial game for the club and scored all the goals in a 4-1 win.

Armfield spent his entire career at Blackpool, for many years playing behind legendary winger Sir Stanley Matthews.

Eddie Gray, who played in the 1975 European Cup under Armfield for Leeds, told the Press Association: "Jimmy steadied the ship at Leeds when Brian Clough left.

"It was a difficult time for the club anyway with Don Revie having left and Brian coming in and things not going too well. "It wasn't an easy time for Jimmy to come in because the team were getting that bit older as well, but his manner, the way he conducted himself in and around the club was terrific.

"And I liked Jimmy a lot as a person, that's the most important thing. I liked him very much and always got on very well with him."

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Sam Matterface: If you are a fan of radio football commentary you will be as desperately sad as I am to hear of the passing of Jimmy Armfield. What a man, what a footballer, a world cup winner, a manager and a fabulous fabulous broadcaster. Thoughts with his family & colleagues at BBC 5 Live.

Simon Crabtree: Such sad news about Jimmy Armfield. Such a lovely, modest man. An honour to share his company. A pleasure to listen to. He’ll be missed and my thoughts are with his family.....

David Anderson: Such sad news about Jimmy Armfield. I'll always love his anecdote about Howard Wilkinson moaning to the press about criticising him and challenges them, saying "how many caps did any of you win?". And Armfield chirps up from the back "43". Wilkinson was in stitches.

A statement from the Armfield family said: "After a long and courageous battle, our beloved husband, father, grandfather and father-in-law Jimmy Armfield, has passed away peacefully surrounded by his immediate family.

"At this time we are still in shock as we begin the grieving process. We know Jimmy was a public figure, but the family respectfully ask for privacy at this time.

"We have many wonderful messages of love and support, for which we are grateful, and moved by all the kind words.

"We would also like to thank all the magnificent and dedicated NHS staff who have kept Jimmy, and the family, as well as possible over the ten years of his illness."

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Paul Cooke: Horrible news.Too young to see how great he was as a player but grew up listening to him on 5live.Loved hearing his views.Seemed such a gentleman.Rest in peace Sir Jimmy Armfield.

Stuart Steelyard: I could listen to his stories for hours. Such a wide knowledge of the game. A proper footballing gentleman. R.I.P Jimmy.

Anthony Dent: Very sad news. A legend of English football. A great broadcaster too and a very nice man.