Dave Mackay, 'hardest man in football', dies aged 80

Mackay, who was part of Spurs' 1961 double-winning team and who was described by George Best as "the hardest man I have ever played against", passed away at hospital in Nottingham on Monday evening.

"We were saddened to hear of the death of our former captain Dave Mackay who passed away at the Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, this evening (Monday, March 2). He was 80," a statement on Tottenham's website read.

Mackay was legendary for his combative nature - and the picture of him grabbing Billy Bremner by the shirt is one of the most famous images in football.

"He was a superb player who possessed all the technique, passing ability and talent to be the complete footballer," the Tottenham statement continued.

"He was the heart-beat of our 1961 'Double' side, was then a key member of the team that retained the FA Cup the following season and, although injury kept him out of our 1963 European Cup Winners' Cup final triumph, he had played a vital role in getting us there.

"He formed a marvellous midfield combination with Danny Blanchflower and, when the Northern Ireland international left us in 1964, Mackay took over as Spurs captain and led us to another FA Cup triumph in 1967. He twice broke the same leg in our cause but, each time, came back stronger than ever."

Mackay went on to play for Derby County, helping them out of the old Second Division. He then became club manager and led them to the First Division title in 1975.

Sam Rush, Derby County president, said, "his name will be forever etched into our history."

Scottish side Hearts, with whom Mackay started his career and won four trophies in six years, also paid tribute, calling him "a fearless defender regarded as the club's greatest-ever player."