Former Chelsea, Middlesbrough and Wrexham boss John Neal dies aged 82

Former Chelsea boss John Neal, who managed the club for four years in the 1980s, has died at the age of 82

Neal, who also managed Wrexham and Middlesbrough, succeeded Geoff Hurst and was in charge at Stamford Bridge between 1981 and 1985.

He signed the likes of Kerry Dixon, Pat Nevin and Eddie Niedzwiecki and led the club to the old Second Division title in 1984 before retiring due to ill health at the end of the following season.

A club statement read: "Chelsea Football Club is deeply saddened by the passing of John Neal, one of the most significant and loved managers in our history. The club sends our deepest condolences to John’s family and friends.

"John will always be remembered at Chelsea for turning the team around from our very lowest point."

Club historian Rick Glanvill said: "A succession of novices had found turning round London’s cash-strapped former giant beyond them before Neal arrived in 1981.

"After a dismal two seasons, his proper old football nous would produce two years of unforgettable drama and togetherness in the middle of a troubled decade and a half. Had his reign not been cruelly curtailed by illness, genuine silverware looked highly possible."

A statement from Wrexham, where Neal managed for nine years before leaving for Middlesbrough in 1977, read: "The club has been deeply saddened to hear of the passing of one of our true legends."