Sheffield Wednesday have confirmed that club legend Don Megson has passed away at the age of 86. Sale-born Megson served the Owls for 18 years and is widely regarded as one of the best left backs to represent the club.

A Wednesday statement read: "The Owls are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of club legend Don Megson at the age of 86 Our thoughts are with Don's family and friends at this very difficult time."

Megson made 442 appearances in Owls colours, scoring seven goals. He was a first-team regular throughout the 1960s.

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He skippered the Wednesday team who reached the FA Cup final in 1966 as they suffered a heart-breaking 3-2 loss to Everton at Wembley. After a long and distinguished career at Hillsborough, Megson moved to Bristol Rovers in 1970. He made 31 appearances for Rovers before hanging up his boots two years later.

Megson went on to manage Rovers for five years. After a spell out of the game, he took over as Bournemouth boss boss in March 1983. He resigned after six months in charge of the Cherries.

He later scouted part-time for his son Gary for Norwich City, Stockport County, Blackool and West Bromwich Albion. Journalist Alan Biggs today posted on Twitter: "Very sad news. Been asked to post on behalf of the family that Don Megson has left us at the age of 86. A Sheffield Wednesday icon (1959-69). Captained #SWFC in ‘66 FA Cup final. Son Gary says Don passed peacefully. Such a fine player & man. RIP.

"Don Megson was an inspiring leader & a driving left back, one of the top players in the land, during his great career with @swfc. He later managed Bristol Rovers, Portland Timbers & Bournemouth. @official_BRFC @TimbersFC @afcbournemouth. A true gent."

Former Wednesday player and manager Chris Turner added: "So sad to hear the passing of Don Megson. He was a great captain and leader. All the 66 team speak very highly of him. My best best wishes go to Gary and his family. Thank you for my early memories of our great club, Don. CT."

The tributes have flooded in from Owls fans for Megson:

@lefthandedowl: "Sad news about the passing of the great Don Megson a true Wednesday legend. My first hero at Hillsborough he was a wonderful leader and ambassador for the club. RIP ‘The Don’."

@punkchef41: "Rip don Megson 400 games in Wednesday shirt 1966 cup final captain."

@owlsfan83: "RIP Don Megson. He was before my time, but my Dad absolutely raves about him. Heard nothing but great things about him."

@Leekie1867: "Very sad news to hear about Don Megson passing away!! RIP Don!!"

@dannyajones1990: "RIP Don Megson a true wednesday legend and my grandads favourite ever player."

@shauncannister: "RIP Don Megson."

@KivoLee: "Very sad news. One of my dad's all time favourites. Rest in peace Don."

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