FORMER Celtic player and assistant manager Frank Connor has died aged 86.
The former goalkeeper battled with a short illness before passing away this morning.
He spent time at Parkhead in 1961 before playing for St Mirren, Portadown and Derry City.
Connor then had spells as player manager at Albion Rovers and Cowdenbeath before making the move as an assistant to Jock Wallace at Motherwell.
That led to a two-and-a-half-year return to Celtic Park where he worked as assistant to Davie Hay.
Following that, he moved to be manager of Raith Rovers, where the club say he laid the foundations for the success of the 1990’s.
Confirming the news today, Rovers said: “Raith Rovers FC were saddened to learn of the passing at 0930 this morning of former Rovers manager Frank Connor, after being contacted by his eldest son Tom today.
“Frank celebrated his 86th birthday last month, and was residing in Croftbank House Nursing Home, Uddingston.
“After a short illness, Frank deteriorated overnight and passed away this morning. He is survived by his loving wife Margaret, 7 children, several grandchildren and a great grandson.
“After a short illness, Frank deteriorated overnight and passed away this morning. He is survived by his loving wife Margaret, 7 children, several grandchildren and a great grandson.”