Norwich to pay tribute to former manager

Bond began his managerial career with Bournemouth and led it to promotion from the old fourth division at the end of his first season in charge.

However, it was at the Norfolk club during the mid-1970s where Bond developed into one of the game's most colourful characters, taking Norwich back up into the top flight and on to the 1975 League Cup final, which it lost to Aston Villa.

The former West Ham defender went on to manage at Manchester City, which he guided to the 1981 FA Cup final against Tottenham, and which it eventually lost on a replay with Ricky Villa claiming a famous winner.

Bond remains the second longest-serving manager at Carrow Road.

The Canaries said in a statement: "Norwich City Football Club is saddened to learn of the death of former manager John Bond at the age of 79.

"During his tenure he brought players such as World Cup winner Martin Peters to Norwich City, which helped trigger an exciting brand of attacking football at Carrow Road.

"Everybody at Norwich City Football Club would like to send their sincere condolences to John's family and friends.

"There will be an opportunity for Canary fans to remember John at Carrow Road at tonight's match with Doncaster Rovers, where his considerable contribution to Norwich City Football Club will be acknowledged prior to kick-off.

"Both teams will also wear black armbands as a mark of respect."

Manchester City also paid tribute to Bond.

City club ambassador and former player Mike Summerbee told BBC Radio Manchester: "I knew John from when I was 16 years old.

"I played for Swindon against him when he was at West Ham. We had some wonderful times off the field.

"He was such a lovely man and it's a very sad day.

"John was a football man, he knew the game inside out. As a person outside of football, he was a wonderful man.

"You could talk forever about his contribution to the game of football because he was so dedicated to the game and he loved the game so very much."

Bond had also played for Torquay, and after leaving Maine Road in February 1983 enjoyed spells in charge of Burnley, Swansea, Birmingham and at Shrewsbury.

He was the father of former Tottenham assistant manager Kevin Bond.