FORMER Bradford City right back Denis Atkins has died following a short illness, aged 77.

Bradford-born Atkins played over 200 games for Huddersfield, on the other side of the defence to World Cup winner Ray Wilson, before arriving at Valley Parade in March 1968.

Atkins signed as part of a four-player swap alongside centre forward Tony Leighton, with Alec Smith and Paul Aimson heading the other way.

Atkins was part of the Division Four promotion-winning side in 1969 and went on to make 122 league and appearances before retiring to become a teacher.

He was husband to late wife Beryl and leaves four children, including daughter Jill who gained 234 international hockey caps.

The funeral will take place at Nab Wood Crematorium on Wednesday at 12.40pm.