Former City goalkeeper Geoff Smith has died at the age of 85.

Cottingley-born Smith made 270 league and cup appearances and kept 70 clean sheets. He passed away on Saturday at his home in Park Lane, Keighley.

Signed as an amateur by Ivor Powell, he made his debut in January 1953 in a 4-0 defeat at Scunthorpe.

But Smith began the following season as first choice and went on to play 214 consecutive games before injury ended the run in October 1958.

Only Paul Tomlinson has kept more clean sheets in City’s history.

Smith and his wife Margaret had two daughters – Janet and Kath. Speaking earlier this week, Janet Cooper said her father had arthritis in his later years but had otherwise been quite healthy.

She added: “He was from an extremely sporty family and anything to do with sport interested him. His brother Jack played for Leeds United.

“Geoff was a lovely, modest man – he never caused any waves.”

He also leaves behind four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

After leaving City, the Smiths bought and ran an off-licence in Cross Roads for 25 years, then later managed a newsagents in Hainworth Wood Road for another five years.

Smith was a member of Keighley Golf Club for more than 50 years and served as club president and captain.

He also began playing for Whins Wood Bowling Club in 1989 and continued to follow City’s fortunes long after he finished playing football.