Former Newcastle United manager Jim Smith has passed away.
The popular football manager affectionately known as the 'Bald Eagle' died in hospital on Tuesday at the age of 79.
Smith is fondly remembered on Tyneside after almost leading the Magpies back to the top flight during his three-year-spell at St James' Park.
A club statement read: "Newcastle United are sad to learn of the passing of Jim Smith, who was the Magpies’ manager between 1988 and 1991.
"He was 79. Our thoughts are with Jim’s family."
The 79-year-old enjoyed two spells in charge of Oxford United and also took charge of the likes of Portsmouth, QPR and Birmingham City.
Smith was also Harry Redknapp's assistant at Portsmouth and his number two at Southampton.
Smith played for the likes of Sheffield United, Aldershot, Halifax Town, Lincoln City, Boston United and Colchester United during his playing career.
He went onto manage Boston United and Colchester United, both as a player-manager, before stints at Blackburn, Birmingham, Oxford, QPR, Portsmouth, Derby and Oxford.
Smith also spent time as an assistant for the likes of Coventry City, Portsmouth and Southampton.
He helped Colchester, Birmingham, Oxford (twice) and Derby to promotion, with the latter guiding the Rams to the Premier League.
LMA chairman Howard Wilkinson paid tribute to Smith, saying: "Jim and I have known each other since our teenage years, and I have been in his debt since the day he asked me to become player-coach at Boston United where I served my apprenticeship.
"I have so many fond memories of Jim as a football manager but foremost as a friend.
"He was intelligent, passionate, determined, honest and always great fun to be with. Never one to mince his words, he was a leader in the truest sense.
"He was liked and admired by everyone around him, truly an authentic, down-to-earth gentleman."
