Former Wales football manager Mike Smith dies
The first Englishman to manage Cymru has passed away aged 83
Former Wales football manager Mike Smith has died at the age of 83.
He became the first non-Welshman to manage the national team in 1974, and led them to the quarter-finals of the 1976 European Championship.
In a statement, the Football Association of Wales said: "The Football Association of Wales is saddened to learn that former Cymru Manager Mike Smith has passed away, aged 83.
"The first Englishman to manage Cymru, Smith's playing career was restricted to the amateur game as he represented Corinthian Casuals.
"However, he made his name in coaching circles following his appointment as Director of Coaching of the Football Association of Wales, with the responsibility of overseeing the development of the intermediate teams.
"He replaced Dave Bowen as manager in 1974, and guided Cymru to the EURO 1976 quarter-finals after impressively topping their group but suffered a 3-1 aggregate defeat against Yugoslavia.
"The thoughts of everyone at the FAW are with Mike Smith’s family and friends at this sad time."