FORMER Trowbridge Town player and Arsenal's current reserve team manager George Armstrong, left, has died at the age of 56.

The former Gunners double winner suffered a brain haemorrhage and died last Tuesday at Hemel Hempstead General Hospital.

Armstrong was voted player of the year in 1970 after joining the north London side as a amateur in August 1961 and signed as a professional later that month.

He made a then record 621 appearances for Arsenal, a record which fell to current Arsenal and England captain Tony Adams and Leeds United manager David O'Leary.

From Highbury, Armstrong moved to Leicester and Stockport County, before starting his coaching career in 1979 with Aston Villa. He also coached at Fulham and Middlesborough.

He took his career to Norway and Kuwait, before returning to Arsenal in 1990.

An Arsenal spokesman said: "George was an effervescent, honest, down to earth soul, widely respected by everyone at the club. He will be sorely missed.

"Our deepest sympathies are with George's family at this very sad time."

Mr Armstrong was born in Hebburn, Durham, on August 9, 1944.

Before becoming a footballer, he was an electrician.

A minute's silence was observed before last Wednesday's match against Ipswich and the team wore black armbands.