Jeff Astle, Albion's Cup hero of 1968, dies at 59

Football is mourning Jeff Astle, who died suddenly on Saturday. The former West Bromwich Albion and England striker, who represented his country in the 1970 World Cup, was taken to the Queen's Hospital in Burton-on-Trent after collapsing suddenly at his daughter's home.

The 59-year-old, who won five England caps, scored the extra-time winner in Albion's 1968 FA Cup final win over Everton and struck 137 goals in 292 league appearances for the Baggies. His name, though, will live on as the striker who failed to score a vital equaliser against Brazil in Mexico.

West Brom's chief executive and Astle's former team-mate John Wile described the striker as "a master of his art".

"I have never seen anyone head the ball like it. He was magnificent," said Wile. "I don't think it is cheap to say he was a legend at West Brom. He was a fantastic player and a great guy. He will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with his family."

The former England captain Alan Mullery said: "Sir Alf Ramsey said the squad in 1970 was better than the team that won the World Cup in 1966, so it just shows you how good a player Jeff was."