FORMER Blackburn Rovers manager Jim Iley has died age 82, the club has announced.

Mr Iley, who was appointed Rovers manager in April 1979, died on Saturday.

A Blackburn Rovers spokesman said: "Rovers were saddened to learn of the passing of former manager Jim Iley.

"The thoughts of everyone at Blackburn Rovers are with his family and friends at this sad time."

Born in South Kirkby, Mr Iley was a cultured wing-half who played for Sheffield United, Tottenham Hotspur, Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United, before becoming player-manager of Peterborough United.

He spent five years as manager of Barnsley, before being appointed Rovers boss on April 14 1979 on a two-year contract. However, his reign lasted just 172 days.

He later had spells in charge of Bury and Exeter City, before joining the scouting staff at Charlton Athletic.