Obituary: Sir Alf Ramsey, 1922-1999 - World of football pays tribute to `the perfect ambassador'

No one was ever more helpful to me than Sir Alf. He was always there for advice. He was direct, which is exactly what I wanted from him as a manager. There was no preamble and no side issues. Some people found him abrasive but I loved him. Every day we lose sight of what he achieved for England and Britain.

Terry Neill, former Northern Ireland manager and a friend of Sir Alf throughout his playing and his managerial career.

He was the perfect ambassador for the game of football. I know that in all my years being involved in football I never heard anyone have a bad word to say about him.

Newcastle and England captain Alan Shearer.

Sir Alf was a legend of English football. He put our game on top. Like everyone , I will remember him most for the 1966 World Cup

Middlesbrough manager Bryan Robson

I have a personal debt of gratitude to him because, had it not been for Alf, I would not have been given my own chance to create a bit of history. This is sad news and he will be missed but his memory treasured.

England's World Cup final hat-trick scorer Sir Geoff Hurst

The FA are deeply shocked by this news. Sir Alf Ramsey's place in football history and the country's history is there for all to see. His achievements speak for themselves and we send all of our sympathies to his family. His name is writ large not only in football history but in the nation's history. Sir Alf was the best England manager there has ever been. What he achieved in his years as manager is now legendary.

David Davies, the Football Association's interim executive director

We extend our sympathy to his family and will remember him fondly. He will obviously be remembered for that glorious day in 1966 and long may that be the case. He has given every football lover in England and the UK something to smile about with the achievements of that fantastic team. It is sad to think that both Alf Ramsey and Bobby Moore are no longer with us.

Brendon Batson, deputy chief executive of the PFA

I'm very shocked. He gave me my England debut in 1972 and I'll always be grateful for that.

He was a smashing man and was loved by his players.

England coach Kevin Keegan.

It is very sad news to learn of Sir Alf's death. I met him several times, latterly without Bobby, and found him to be a very charming gentleman. Bobby had a tremendous amount of respect for him and was very fond of him. In some ways, it represents what seems like the end of an era now without the captain and manager of the 1966 team. They contributed to England's finest football hour and will always be remembered for that.

Stephanie Moore the widow of the 1966 World Cup-winning captain Sir Bobby Moore