Leeds United were saddened to learn of the passing of Barry Murphy, aged 86. The former coach served under club legends Allan Clarke and Eddie Gray during his spell at Elland Road.

A warm, upbeat character and fierce competitor, Barry brought passion, commitment and much-needed humour to the role during a testing time for the club in the 1980s.

Clarke brought Barry from Barnsley to Leeds in September 1980 when he left the South Yorkshire club to take over the hot seat from Jimmy Adamson.

The Whites lay second from bottom in the old First Division – now the Premier League – after a solitary victory in the opening nine games.

Leeds were leaking goals, so “Sniffer” and “Spud”, who hailed from coal-mining country in County Durham, made tightening the defence a priority.

Barry’s experience of working with the likes of Norman Hunter and Mick McCarthy at Barnsley proved invaluable – his own 16-year playing career was spent at right-back or at centre-half – and the side finished in a creditable ninth place.

The next season, 1981/82, proved to be their last in tandem. Goal-shy Leeds were relegated after which Clarke left Elland Road, to be replaced by Gray.

Barry continued to be a presence on the training pitches as a largely youthful team, bolstered by returning veterans Peter Lorimer and David Harvey, looked to escape the Second Division.

His time at Leeds ended in 1984. Barnsley, for whom he made a club-record 569 appearances, later named their North Stand after him.

Leeds United extend their deepest condolences to Barry’s family and friends.

Rest in peace, Barry.