FORMER Swindon Town manager Andy King has died, aged 58.

King, who managed Town in two spells from 2000 to 2005, passed away today, after a heart attack, according to statement on the website of Premier League side Everton, for whom he made nearly 250 appearances during his playing career.

Having also played for Luton, Everton, QPR, West Bromwich Albion, Wolves and Aldershot, scoring 92 league goals, King was appointed as assistant boss at the County Ground by Colin Todd in the 2000-01 pre-season after working as a scout for Peter Reid at Sunderland. 

He then took over as boss, eventually guiding Town to safety after Danny Invincibile's stunning volleyed winner in injury time  helped beat Peterborough in Town's final home game.

 

King, who proved a divisive figure among the County Ground faithful, was then removed from his post shortly before the start of the 2001-02 campaign as Roy Evans came in for a brief few months, but was back in post in December after a boardroom takeover as Town finished mid-table.

A turbulent couple of seasons followed before King's standout Town season, in 2003-04 when, led by the goals of Sam Parkin and Tommy Mooney, he guided Town into the play-offs, where they were seconds away from reaching the final before losing the semi final on penalties at Brighton.

Town finished 12th the following season and, in the 2005-06 campaign, King was eventually relieved of his duties in September after five straight defeats.

A statement on Swindon Town's website said today read: "Swindon Town are saddened to hear that former manager Andy King has passed away at the age of 58.

"The former Everton midfielder enjoyed two spells in charge of the Town between 2000 and 2005. In 2003/04, he led Swindon to the Division Two Play-Offs where they were beaten in the semi-final by Brighton & Hove Albion. 

"The thoughts of everyone at the football club are with Andy's family at this very difficult time.''

A statement on the M K Dons' official club website, mkdons.com, for whom King had been working as chief scout, said: "Milton Keynes Dons Football Club are devastated to learn that chief scout Andy King has suddenly passed away at the age of 58.

"He passed away suddenly after a heart attack at his home on Wednesday.

"King, who joined the Dons' backroom staff in 2014, was a hugely respected figure throughout football and a magnificent individual and friend to many at MK Dons - he will be missed greatly.

"The thoughts of everyone at MK Dons are with Andy's wife Barbara, his family and his friends at this extremely sad and difficult time."

The Everton club statement today said: "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.

"He passed away on Wednesday, aged 58, after suffering a heart attack.

"King joined Everton from Luton Town in 1976 when he was 19, scoring that famous derby goal two years later to halt the Club's seven-year wait for a victory against Liverpool. He left for Queens Park Rangers in 1980 before returning in 1982 and eventually moving on again in 1984.

"He played for a string of clubs, including stints in Ireland, Holland and Sweden, before turning to management after finishing his playing career back in the North West with Southport.

"King was in charge at Waterford, Mansfield Town, Swindon and Grays Athletic and was also part of the back room staff at Northampton Town and MK Dons before his untimely passing.

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