Everton and England star Tommy Wright has died at the age of 81, with tributes rolling in for the one-club man who helped his side claim the 1966 FA Cup and the First Division title four years later.
The 81-year-old was a loyal servant to the Toffees, first joining the club as an apprentice during his teenage years.
Wright went on to make his senior debut in 1964 and remained a fixture at Goodison Park with 374 appearances made until he retired in 1974 due to injury.
Winning the FA Cup by pulling off a 3-2 win against Sheffield Wednesday was chased two years later by another trip to Wembley in a bid to win back the trophy, but Everton were beaten in the 1968 final 1-0 by West Bromwich Albion.
Two years after that, Everton were crowned champions of the 1970 Football League First Division season, with Wright making an appearance in all 42 league games on their way to pulling off the achievement.
As such, Wright is considered one of the club’s greatest ever right backs, with his contemporary George Best naming the player the most difficult opponent he had faced on the pitch.
Everton legend Tommy Wright has died at the age of 81 (pictured at the club in 1968)
The England international and decorated right back helped his side claim the 1966 FA Cup
Everton shared a poignant tribute to their late icon on Tuesday evening, writing: ‘Tommy Wright, one of the finest full-backs ever to grace Goodison Park, has sadly passed away at the age of 81.
‘An FA Cup winner in 1966, league champion in 1970 and regular England international, Tommy made 374 appearances for his only club.
‘Rest in peace, Tommy.’
Fans were also keen to share their own tributes to Wright on social media.
As well as performing heroically in Everton blue, Wright also earned 12 caps for England between 1968 and 1970, most notably playing against Pele’s Brazil at the 1970 World Cup.
Pele was pictured during the match in Guadalajara, Mexico helping Wright with cramp as he succumbed to the scorching heat in the pulsating 1-0 tie dubbed the standout of the tournament.
