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Former players and colleagues have hailed the legacy of John Lyall, the former West Ham and Ipswich manager who died suddenly last night.

Lyall, who suffered a heart attack, attended the funeral of Ron Greenwood, his mentor and close friend, only two months ago. The pair were responsible for taking the Hammers into the modern era by creating what became known as 'the Academy' in the 1970s and '80s at Upton Park. Lyall then guided Ipswich into the Premiership for the 1992/93 season after he was sacked at Upton Park in 1989.

"When he left West Ham, a little part of the club died," said former Hammers defender Tony Gale, who Lyall signed in 1984.

Among Lyall's achievements at Upton Park were FA Cup triumphs, firstly in 1975 while Greenwood was still general manager, then again in 1980. Lyall was rarely seen at West Ham functions after his departure but Gale met his former boss at a recent reunion for the two FA Cup winning teams.

"I'm so pleased we did that because all the players got to see him again," Gale told Sky Sports News. "He was a man of morals and principles."

Trevor Brooking, who scored the winner against Arsenal in the 1980 final, said: "It's a huge shock. He was a much-loved figure at Upton Park and had a lasting influence on the club's development and the way the team played.

"Like Ron Greenwood before him, he encouraged good, open attacking football and all West Ham fans will be deeply shocked by today's news. He was a man of great integrity and loyalty and anyone who knew him would have nothing but good things to say about him.

"He recently attended a players' reunion and was easily the most popular man that evening. Everyone wanted to talk to him. I think everyone in football will feel a sense of loss today and our thoughts at the moment are with his wife and family."

Brooking's sentiments were echoed by current boss Alan Pardew, who said: "It is another very sad day for West Ham United after the loss of Ron Greenwood just two months ago and, like Ron, John did so much to build the footballing beliefs and values that this club is built on.

"To win the FA Cup twice and lead the club to its highest-ever league finish tells you just how much of an impact John Lyall made on the history of West Ham United, and his contribution will never be forgotten."

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