FORMER City player and manager Trevor Cherry has passed away at the age of 72.

Cherry was appointed in December 1982 as a replacement for player-manager Roy McFarland, who had left Valley Parade to join Derby County. He signed from Leeds for £10,000 and later that month was joined by Terry Yorath as assistant.

The following summer he had to cope with the insolvency of the club and receivership.

With the loss of key players, the Bantams began his first season in charge at the bottom of Division Three but a record-breaking run of 10 successive wins over the winter ensured a mid-table finish.

The promotion form of the second half of that season was the springboard for success in 1984/85 when the club secured the Division Three championship and a return to the second division for the first time in 48 years.

Cherry is remembered for his leadership during the summer of 1985 in the aftermath of the fire disaster when he spent much of the time attending funerals and visiting injured supporters in hospital.

He steered City to 13th place the following season despite not having a home of their own to play at with City forced to host games at Leeds, Huddersfield and Odsal.

Cherry was manager when City returned to Valley Parade in December 1986 but was sacked the following month when the club were struggling – a shock decision that provoked angry demos against the board.

He played 102 league and cup games for the Bantams between December 1982 and May 1985 and his final game was at Burnden Park, Bolton where promotion was secured.

Cherry had begun his career with hometown club Huddersfield before going on to make his name at Leeds where he made 478 league and cup appearances during their greatest days and earned 27 England caps.

He leaves wife Sue, sons Darren and Ian, daughter Danielle and five grandchildren.