EVERTON cult hero Terry Darracott has tragically passed away at the age of 71.

The former left-back came through the ranks at the Merseyside outfit before making his first team debut in 1967.

He featured 179 times for the Toffees in all competitions before swapping England for America in 1979.

Darracott enjoyed a short spell with Tulsa Roughnecks, before returning to Britain to join Wrexham.

And it was with the Welsh club where he retired in 1980.

After hanging up his boots, Darracott went into coaching, where he returned to Everton as Colin Harvey's assistant manager from 1987-1990.

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Darracott was also kept on as a coach when Howard Kendall succeeded Harvey in 1990.

He also held positions at Manchester City, Blackburn, Bolton, Wrexham and Hull.

Commenting on his death, an Everton statement read: "We are saddened by the news that our former player and coach Terry Darracott has passed away at the age of 71.

"Terry was an incredibly popular figure in the game and will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him.

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"Our thoughts are with Terry's family and friends."

Tributes have poured in for Darracott from fans, with one user tweeting: "Terry Darracott. RIP Gentleman, Footballer, Evertonian."

Another said: "Very sad to hear of the passing of Terry Darracott. A true blue who never gave anything less than 100 per cent, and wore the shirt with pride. Another blue legend gone. RIP."

A third added: "A wonderful coach, mentor & man. Our thoughts & prayers are with Terry’s family at this saddest of times. RIP Terry."

Thus supported remarked: "A crushingly sad day for Terry's family and a sombre day for all blues of a certain age. A great servant and a real gutsy Evertonian."

Meanwhile one simply stated: "Sad news. Served the club well as a player and coach."

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