Former Town boss John Lyall, who led the Club to the Second Division Championship in 1992, has passed away aged 66 after suffering a heart attack last night.

Lyall arrived at Portman Road in 1990 to take over from John Duncan and within two years had guided Blues back to the top flight of English football, with promotion to the inaugural Premiership for 1992/93.

He remained in charge at Town until December 1994, taking on a general manager position and working alongside Paul Goddard and John Wark before George Burley's arrival as manager.

John Lyall - boss of the Champions in 1992

As well as managing Town, Lyall spent 15 years in charge at West Ham between 1974 and 1989, taking them to FA Cup glory in 1975 and 1980.

"It is with deep regret that Ipswich Town Football Club has learnt of the death of John Lyall," says a statement issued by the Club.

"As first-team boss, he masterminded the Club's promotion to the new Premiership in 1992 and remained in charge for a further two years.

"The thoughts of everyone at the Football Club are with his family at this sad time."

John Lyall

Simon Milton, part of the Town side that lifted the Second Division title, added: "It's a very sad day for Ipswich Town and football in general.

"John had a massive influence on my career and gave me a chance to play at the highest level in the English game.

"It's easy for people to forget what he achieved here and my thoughts go out to his family. He will be sadly missed."