Barry Murphy, who became a Barnsley legend as a player and spent four years as a coach at Leeds United, has died aged 86

Former Leeds United coach Barry Murphy has passed away at the age of 86. Murphy worked under Allan Clarke and Eddie Gray at Elland Road from 1980 to 1984.

He also spent nearly two decades as a player at Barnsley and was inducted into the club's inaugural Hall of Fame in 2018. Murphy was part of the Reds squad that clinched promotion from the Fourth Division in 1968.

In a further mark of respect, the club renamed their North Stand in his honour in April 2022. The defender represented the South Yorkshire side a staggering 569 times.

In an official statement posted on X, Barnsley said: "We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Barry Murphy, aged 86. An iconic full-back who was our record-appearance holder with 569 games for the Reds. Barry was a true Barnsley legend. We will truly miss you, Barry. Once a Red, Always a Red."

Hailing from Consett, County Durham, Murphy signed for Barnsley from South Shields in 1962. Known as 'Spud', the defender made his first-team bow that same year before etching his name into the record books in October 1965, becoming the first Barnsley player ever deployed as a substitute, during a match against Doncaster Rovers.

Having established himself as a regular starter, Murphy embarked on an impressive streak of 165 consecutive league appearances and 17 cup matches. His performances earned him the club's player of the year accolade in 1972.

The full-back transitioned to a central defensive position later in his playing days, switching to centre-back in 1974-75 under legendary manager Jim Iley, who also handed him the captain's armband.

In November 1975, at the age of 35, he was promoted to player-coach at Barnsley and returned to his familiar right-back position. He subsequently featured in every match throughout the 1976-77 campaign.

Murphy's final outing came aged 38 in April 1978 in a fixture against Torquay United. He remained part of the club's coaching setup under Clarke before following him to join the backroom team at Leeds in October 1980.

He stayed with Leeds following their relegation to the old Second Division, continuing until 1984 before stepping away from football.

Murphy subsequently became a familiar face at Barnsley, frequently hosting charitable functions for the club. In April 2022, Barnsley honoured their former player by renaming their North Stand after him.

Tributes have poured in from fans in the wake of his death. One wrote: "RIP Barry. A true Barnsley legend." Another supporter penned: "What a true legend. To have the best away end in the EFL named after you still didn't do him justice... Rest easy Barry."