Former Fulham and Chelsea star Barry Lloyd dies aged 75 as tributes pour in from his former clubs

Former Chelsea and Fulham midfielder Barry Lloyd has died at the age of 75.

After graduating from Chelsea's youth academy Lloyd made his senior debut for the Blues in 1966 but found opportunities hard to come by at Stamford Bridge.

A swap deal involving Republic of Ireland international John Dempsey would see him join Fulham in 1968.

With the Cottagers languishing in the third tier, Lloyd was handed the captain's armband and led the club to promotion in the 1970-71 season enjoying the most prolific campaign of his career in the process.

He would remain a stalwart in the years that followed, playing a total of eight seasons in west London and making 286 appearances in all competitions.

After departing Craven Cottage in 1976, Lloyd would spend short spells at Hereford, Brentford and NASL side Houston Hurricane before hanging up his boots in 1978 to move into coaching.

Lloyd spent six years in charge of Brighton between 1987 and 1993 after initially arriving as assistant to Alan Mullery.

During that time he led the Seagulls out of the Third Division and came within one game of taking them to the top flight but suffered defeat in the play-off final against Notts County.

In a post on social media, Brighton's official account wrote: 'We are deeply saddened to report the passing of our former manager Barry Lloyd, aged 75.

'We extend our sincere condolences to Barry's family and friends at this saddest of times.

'The players will wear black armbands today and there will be a tribute next weekend against Spurs.'

Meanwhile a statement from Fulham read: 'The Club is saddened to learn of the death of former captain Barry Lloyd.

'The West London-born midfielder joined Fulham from Chelsea in December 1968 and went on to make 286 appearances for the Whites, earning promotion to the Second Division in the 1970/71 season.

'He will also be remembered by Fulham fans as part of the squad who reached the 1975 FA Cup Final, where he was named as a substitute.

'After spending the rest of his playing career at Hereford, Brentford and Houston Hurricane, he enjoyed managerial stints with Yeovil, Worthing and Brighton.

Lloyd is also a Forever Fulham recipient, having been inducted in March 2022.

Everyone at the Club would like to offer our condolences to Barry's family and friends at this sad time.'