FORMER City boss Bryan Edwards has passed away at the age of 85.

The popular figure was in charge at Valley Parade from 1971-75 but he returned to hold an number of positions at the club, most notably as physiotherapist for many seasons.

Edwards also enjoyed a successful playing career and was one of the last surviving members of Bolton Wanderers’ 1958 FA Cup winning side against Manchester United.

Sixth on Wanderers' all-time appearance list, he played 518 times and would undoubtedly have played more had he not been called up for National Service in 1952.

The Leeds-born wing-half signed professional forms on his 17th birthday after being spotted playing for Oulton Youth Club, and also had trials for Yorkshire Cricket Club.

A one-club man, he made his debut in a 3-3 draw with Liverpool in September 1950.

It is often said his military stint cost him a place in the 1953 FA Cup final, made famous by Stanley Matthews for his star performance for Blackpool, but a broken leg sustained in a game at Portsmouth also played its part.

Nicknamed “Slim” for his slender statue, Edwards switched to centre-half later in his career.

After coaching spells at Blackpool, Preston and Plymouth, he succeeded Jimmy Wheeler as manager at City, where he stayed for four years.

He couldn't prevent their relegation to the bottom tier in his first season and was unable to get them back up to Division Three, his efforts being hindered when record signing Trevor Hockey – bought for £12,500 from Aston Villa – suffered injury.

He qualified as a physiotherapist and worked at Huddersfield Town and Leeds United before rejoining the Bantams as a backroom staff member in July 1977.

He became assistant manager and physiotherapist under boss George Mulhall in November 1978, holding the latter position throughout the 1980s and into the early 1990s.

He continued to live in the Bradford area but fell into ill health in recent years.

He is survived by wife Jean, two sons and grandchildren.

Details of the funeral will be announced in due course.

A City statement on Twitter read: "The club is deeply saddened to hear of the recent passing of former manager Bryan Edwards. Our condolences go out to his family and friends.

"As well as managing the club, Bryan held a number of other positions at #bcafc, including assistant manager, general manager & physio.

"Bryan will be missed by all at #bcafc and our thoughts are certainly with those close to him at the difficult time."