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Lincoln City legend Steve Thompson has sadly passed away at the age of 70.
The Englishman, who had two spells with the Imps as a dominant central defender before returning as a manager in 1990, had been fighting a lengthy battle with cancer.
Lincoln's chairman Clive Nates paid tribute to Thompson following the news of his passing, writing on the club's website: 'I'd like to offer condolences to Steve's family from everyone at the club.
'He was a huge character right until the end of his life. I am very grateful for the kindness he showed me and my family, he leaves a lasting legacy.'
Thompson's death comes on the same week that former Imps forward Ron Harbertson, who also played for Newcastle United, passed away at the age of 95.
The club plan to hold a minute's silence for Thompson and Harbertson before their League One fixture against Mansfield at Sincil Bank tomorrow.
Lincoln City legend Steve Thompson has sadly passed away at the age of 70 after a lengthy battle with cancer
The Englishman enjoyed two spells with Lincoln City as a player before returning as a manager
During his three years in charge of the Imps, Thompson helped to keep the club in the Football League
Born in Sheffield in 1995, Steve Thompson enjoyed a successful and long-lasting career in English football.
After signing his first deal at Worksop Town in 1975, he moved on to Boston United a year later before finding his home at Lincoln in 1980.
His initial spell with the Imps saw him make 154 appearances, scoring eight goals before moving on to Charlton Athletic in south London.
He enjoyed a successful three years with the Addicks, including the 1985-86 promotion season which put Charlton back in the top flight for the first time in almost three decades.
Following a brief spell with his boyhood club Sheffield United, Thompson played out the final days of his career back at Lincoln where he racked up another 27 appearances.
He was appointed as manager of the club almost immediately after his retirement and successfully kept them in the Football League during his three years in charge.
He went on to manage Southend, Notts County and Cambridge as well as guiding Sheffield United to the second-tier play-offs as caretaker boss.
In his latter years Thompson enjoyed appearing as a co-commentator and matchday analyst for BBC Radio Lincolnshire.
