Armfield turned down the Everton Job

Jimmy and Alex Parker, were the forerunners of today's wing backs, and if I'm allowed a little bias I put Alex slightly ahead. I thought that Jimmy was unfortunate to miss out on the right back position in '66, and I appreciate that opinions differ, but I thought he was a better full back than George Cohen.

When Jimmy retired he joined the BBC commentary team, I thought his gentle description of events, and his evaluation of the performances of players, was a credit to him.

I find it sad that someone has to die before we can express our appreciation, but I suppose that's all in the game.

As an aside, I'm just putting the finishing touches to Part 8 of my favourite players, I shouldn't expect that there will be much of a shock, but you never know, because there one or two to pick from.

Like you, I'm perhaps a little biased, but would put Parker ahead of Armfield and then Cohen. But Alex Parker did have the benefit of playing in our wonderful side from 1960 to 1963.

Two things stood out: his ability perfectly to sum up the situation in a match; and his absolute love of and respect for football and footballers.

You'd often hear Jimmy say, when at Goodison in the Sky years, "This is a BIG club, Everton." A great man of football, and a great man.

RIP, Jimmy Armfield.

He nearly won the European Cup with Leeds in 1975, losing the Final to a very dodgy refereeing decision or two as I recall against Bayern Munich in Paris. So bad were those decisions that Leeds fans ruined the celebrations of Muller, Beckenbauer, Breitner, Maier and Co by ripping out the seats and hurling them at them! A riot quite typical of the era.

Leeds were still a decent team under Armfield. When he left, they went downhill fast and got relegated, much to the joy of Evertonians!

Jimmy sent Peter Reid congratulations on making his debut for Bolton Wanderers. A great captain and gentleman.

RIP Jimmy Armfield

They got talking and Jimmy told him he loved going to Goodison and Anfield, especially for the banter with Scousers, but he had noticed while they liked taking the mickey, a lot of them didn't like taking it back – very true that in my experience, more so at Anfield.

Always in the garden, because I smoked in those days, with the dog asleep at my feet. I strained my ears to hear his wit and wisdom as the sound faded and surged on my short wave radio.

Now, I get to watch the games live on TV but have to endure the inane ramblings of so-called pundits. To me, Jimmy epitomises the gentlemen of a bygone era.

RIP, Jimmy Armfield and thank you for enriching so many of my weekends.

He epitomised an era long gone now, of loyalty, and dedication to his profession. Not only that, he was an excellent player too and I was privileged to see him play as a very young supporter in a time when you applauded quality in the opposition.

RIP Jimmy..

I'm far too young to Remember Jimmy as anyone other than a 5 Five Co-commentator. Put in the age of sensationalism, where every decent player is the greatest ever, and every season is the greatest ever, it was always refreshing to hear from a guy who'd done it all, who could bring those excitable lot back down to earth. I think he was a wonderful commentator and for a guy who seemed to come from my grandfather's generation, I was always surprised how young he actually was (as his management career being over a good 40 years ago). He will be missed.

I'm guessing I'm not of the same age as you, but I feel the same way. I don't have a problem acknowledging great play from the opposition.

Hell, just this past year I applauded the team I was coaching against when they scored a great goal, passing it from defense through the midfield and eventually a beautiful throughball leading to the goal.

It's sport, not war. Doesn't mean we can't be passionate and tribal, just within limits and keeping a bit of perspective.