Peter Dobing is the only man to lift a major trophy as Stoke City captain

Stoke City and his old teammates have led the tributes to club great Peter Dobing, who has died at the age of 87.

Tony Waddington broke Stoke’s transfer record to make Dobing his key signing after winning promotion to the top flight in 1963 and the inside forward went on to star in through one of the club’s golden era.

He will be forever remembered as the pipe-smoking and immaculately-dressed captain and the man who lifted Stoke’s first, and so far only, major trophy when they won the League Cup in 1972.

Dobing started all but two of Stoke’s 12 games en route to that famous triumph. His third goal during that cup run was sandwiched between efforts from Micky Bernard and Terry Conroy as Stoke beat West Ham in the semis to reach Wembley.

In all he made 377 appearances for the club and scored 95 goals.

A club statement said: “All at Stoke City are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our 1972 League Cup winning captain. The thoughts and sincere condolences of all at Stoke City are with Peter’s friends and family at this immensely difficult time.”

SCOBA, the Stoke old boys association, added: "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of one of our greatest players.

"He was our captain and led the club to their finest hour when he lifted the League Cup in 1972 beating Chelsea 2-1 in that Wembley final. He was a brilliant footballer but he probably loved fishing more and he will be remembered for his trademark pipe that he would light up after every match. All the former players send their condolences to his family and friends at this sad time. RIP Captain."

Stoke's match against Preston North End is the club's annual Remembrance match so a full tribute to Dobing will be paid at a forthcoming fixture.