BREAKING NEWS: Former Mansfield Town and Swindon Town manager and Everton star Andy King dies of heart attack

Former Mansfield Town manager Andy King has died at the age of 58 following a heart attack.

The former Everton star had already recovered from a heart attack back in 2009.

King took Stags to the Third Division play-off semi-finals in 1994/95, where they lost to Chesterfield over two legs.

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He also presided over a memorable two-legged League Cup win over Leeds United.

A chirpy, larger-than-life character, he was at the helm at Field Mill from 1993 to 1996, moving on to have similar success at Swindon Town, where he also took them to the Division Two play-off semi-finals, losing to Brighton on penalties.

More recently he had been assistant manager to Ady Boothroyd at Northampton and finally had a scouting role for MK Dons last year.

Luton-born, King was still an Evertonian through and through, making 248 appearances for the Toffees, scoring 67 goals in two separate spells, and later declared he would “crawl over broken glass” to play for Everton again.

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King began his career at home town club Luton as an apprentice, turning professional in July 1974 before heading off for Goodison Park in April 1976 for £35,000. He also played for QPR, West Brom, Dutch side Cambuur Leeuwarden, then Swedish team Orebro SK, before joining Wolves in January 1985.

He returned to Luton Town in December the same year, but made just three League appearances before moving to Aldershot in August 1986. He retired from the professional game at the end of the following season in May 1987.

King also holds a place in the record books as the first player ever to score a League goal on a synthetic pitch when he headed in at Loftus Road for QPR against Luton Town on 1st September 1981.

King’s league playing career spanned 14 years, in which he scored more than 80 goals across more than 310 league appearances.

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His managerial career began briefly in January 1989 as player-manager of Irish side Waterford United but, after playing only two league appearances he left by mutual consent only seven weeks later.

He moved on as player to Cobh Ramblers before joining Mansfield Town as manager.

Later in his career, King worked as a scout for Sunderland, Grays Athletic (whom he also briefly managed), Everton, Plymouth Argyle and Colchester United.

Stags chairman John Radford said: “Mansfield Town are saddened to hear of Andy’s passing.

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“Andy was well thought of by Stags’ supporters during his time as manager of the club in the mid-nineties.

“Our condolences are sent to his family and friends at this time.”

An Everton club statement read: “Everton Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former midfielder Andy King.

“King, who scored 67 goals in 248 appearances over two spells at Goodison Park, was a crowd favourite and will forever be remembered for netting a spectacular Merseyside derby winner in October 1978.

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“The thoughts of everyone at Everton are with Andy’s family and many friends at this sad time.”

Swindon Town’s Twitter account today read: “Swindon Town are saddened to hear that former manager Andy King has passed away. Rest In Peace. #STFC’”