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Gordon Lee dead at 87: Former Everton and Newcastle manager dies in his sleep as tributes pour in

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FORMER Everton and Newcastle manager Gordon Lee has died aged 87.

The Toffees confirmed the sad news this morning after Lee passed away peacefully in his sleep.

Gordon Lee passed away in his sleep at the age of 87Credit: Getty

He took charge of the club between 1977 and 1981, leading them to a League Cup final, two FA Cup semi-finals and two top-four finishes in the First Division.

Lee previously managed Port Vale, Blackburn and Newcastle – losing the 1976 League Cup final with the Toon against Manchester City before more Wembley heartache in the same final a year later.

He then had spells with Preston, KR Reykjavik and a caretaker role at Leicester in 1991.

Born in Cannock, the former full-back spent virtually his entire playing career with Aston Villa.

Between 1955 and 1966, he made 142 appearances for the Villans, scoring twice, and winning the 1961 League Cup.

He finished with a season at Shrewsbury but played just twice before going into coaching.

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Lee’s first managerial job at Port Vale lasted eight years and 258 matches.

Graeme Sharp, who Gordon brought to Everton from Dumbarton in 1980, said: “I will always be grateful to Gordon Lee for bringing me to Everton Football Club.

“He showed faith in me and gave me my debut as a young footballer. Gordon was a massive part of my development and I always enjoyed meeting up with him later in life.

“I am deeply saddened by his loss and extend my sympathy to his family.”

Kevin Ratcliffe was handed his Toffees debut at Manchester United in March 1980.

He added: “Gordon loved to give young players an opportunity and I will forever be grateful that he gave me mine at Everton.

“He was ahead of his time with some of his coaching methods and with a bit more luck would have brought honours to the club.

“He left his mark on Everton and his passing is a very sad one.”

He took charge of 777 matches as a manager between 1968 and 1991Credit: Getty
Lee led the Toffees out at Wembley for the 1977 League Cup finalCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk

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