Former Plymouth Argyle player and Exeter City manager John Newman dies aged 91
Newman made more than 300 appearance for Argyle between 1960 and 1967
Former Plymouth Argyle defender and Exeter City manager John Newman has died at the age of 91.
Newman made more than 300 appearance for Argyle between 1960 and 1967 and was the first ever player of the year for the club.
At the age of 34 he joined Exeter City and later became their player manager following the departure of Frank Broome in 1969.
He remained at the helm at St James park until 1976, making him one of Exeter City's longest serving managers.
Plymouth Argyle have paid tribute to Newman who they say was known as a "fearless footballer, a captain, and a man who commanded the respect of all around him."
In a statement the club said: "For many supporters, Newman was their first captain, perhaps their first idol.
"He played with determination, desire and leadership throughout his time at Argyle, during which the Greens consistently featured in the second division, at one point finishing fifth.
"Newman was the skipper when Argyle reached the semi-finals of the League Cup, losing to Johnny’s former team, Leicester City."
Argyle added that Newman was their "second-oldest living player" and offered their "condolences and best wishes" to his family and friends."
Exeter City said in a statement that they were "saddened to hear" of his passing and offered their condolences to his family and friends.
They added that his time with the club was "more successful than many" with Newman laying "the seeds for the 1977 promotion success that followed a few months after he left the club."
Newman began his professional career playing for Birmingham City and featured in their FA cup final against Manchester City in 1956.
He also managed his home town club Hereford United between 1983 and 1987 and came close to guiding them to promotion from the Fourth Division during the 1984-85 season.