Former Derby manager Jim Smith dies at the age of 79 as ex-Ram Craig Burley leads tributes by labelling him ‘one of the greatest managerial characters that ever graced the English game’
- Former Derby and Queens Park Rangers boss Jim Smith has passed away
- Smith passed away at the age of 79 in hospital on Tuesday afternoon
- He also managed Portsmouth, Newcastle and had three spells at Oxford United
Former QPR manager Jim Smith has died at the age of 79, the Championship club have announced.
After a long playing career, Smith made his mark as a manager including leading Birmingham into the First Division and taking Oxford into the top flight.
He also served as League Managers Association (LMA) chief executive before returning to management and leading Derby to the Premier League.
Former Portsmouth and Derby County boss Jim Smith has died at the age of 79
Smith was also inducted into the LMA Hall of Fame – 1,000 club.
LMA chairman Howard Wilkinson paid tribute to Smith, saying: ‘Jim and I have known each other since our teenage years, and I have been in his debt since the day he asked me to become player-coach at Boston United where I served my apprenticeship.
‘I have so many fond memories of Jim as a football manager but foremost as a friend.
‘He was intelligent, passionate, determined, honest and always great fun to be with. Never one to mince his words, he was a leader in the truest sense.
‘He was liked and admired by everyone around him, truly an authentic, down-to-earth gentleman.’
Smith (left, manager of Oxford) worked as Harry Redknapp’s (right) No 2 at Portsmouth
LMA chief executive Richard Bevan added: ‘Jim was a true friend to the LMA and will be very sorely missed by his colleagues and friends.
‘He was an inspiration to so many people throughout his career and a highly valued member of the LMA Hall of Fame – 1,000 Club in recognition of his contribution, achievement and legacy to the game.
‘When Jim was approached by the LMA to become the association’s chief executive in 1995, he gladly accepted the responsibility, only relinquishing the position to return to management with Derby County.
He served as LMA chief executive before returning to management to lead Derby to top flight
‘Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with his wife Yvonne and all his family and friends.’
Craig Burley, who played under Smith during his Derby tenure, paid tribute to his former boss following the news of his death.
He tweeted: ‘In 1999 I signed for one of the greatest managerial characters that ever graced the English game. Jim “the bald eagle” Smith was a legend.
‘Funny, straight talking, loved life and football. It was a privilege to play for you. RIP Jim.’