Former 1970's forward dies after battle with Alzheimer's disease.

The former Crewe Alexandra player and later coach, John Manning has sadly passed away at the age of 80 after a brave battle against Alzheimer's disease.

The Liverpool-born forward (pictured fourth from the left) signed for Crewe from Tranmere in 1972 and he became a major player in Jimmy Melia’s Alex side, scoring 11 goals in 45 appearances before moving on to Barnsley in 1975.

The former centre-forward’s career in professional football spanned 14 years and he also represented clubs, Tranmere Rovers, Shrewsbury, Norwich, Bolton and Barnsley before becoming a coach briefly with Crewe and in Saudi Arabia with the former player, manager and TV pundit, Jimmy Hill.

Our thoughts are with John’s family and friends at this time.