York City historian David Batters believes Jack Pinder will rightly be remembered as one of the club's all-time legends.

Pinder, who played for the Minstermen between 1929 and 1948, died on Thursday aged 91 after suffering from a perforated bowel.

He was the oldest surviving City player and Batters led the tributes today, saying: "The word legend comes to mind when you are talking about Jack Pinder. He spanned the years between the club's move from Fulfordgate and Bootham Crescent and from the Midlands League to the Football League.

"He had the chance to move to Hull City but never wanted to leave York and had great pride in playing for his home town. He loved the club right to the end and was one of the first to join the Supporters' Trust.

"He was so pleased when the club survived but really saddened when we dropped out of the League and wanted to know if we could bounce back."

Pinder was self-deprecating about his ability as a player but Batters believes the former England Schoolboys captain is rightly regarded as one of the club's finest-ever right backs.

City's club historian said: "He always told people he couldn't play but could stop other people playing but that was him being too modest. He stands very high as one of the greatest full backs in the club's history.

"He was known as a no-nonsense player and he was a strong but fair tackler. I think he only got sent off once and that was a case of mistaken identity in the Midlands League days and the decision was later rescinded.

"If you add up all the games during the War, which don't count in the history books, he will have played over 500 games for York City. He went on to coach youngsters and, as a scout for the club, he was instrumental in bringing Arthur Bottom to Bootham Crescent.

"He was also a fantastic man with a remarkable memory. I saw him about three or four weeks ago at his flat and he could remember everything about players and incidents from the 1920s and 1930s.

"In terms of years, he had a life-time devotion to York City that would be difficult to match."

Pinder had planned to attend a City match next month as the club's guest of honour and had also agreed to be present at next year's 1955 FA Cup 50th-anniversary dinner, currently being organised by Graham Bradbury, who said: "I saw Jack two weeks ago. He was in good health and was looking forward to coming to a game.

"York Minstermen had also booked him to come to a meeting in September and he was determined to come to next year's dinner, having thoroughly enjoyed the Legends' Night.

"I think the highlight of the Fans Forum at the Barbican when the Trust got together was when Jack and an old supporter, who used to watch him at Fulfordgate, got on stage and talked about memories from the past. The supporter said Jack always rolled his sleeves above his elbows for games and, before matches, knocked his boots against the goal posts to get the mud off and he remembered one occasion when Jack did it so violently that he injured himself and could not play!

"He was a York City great and a smashing bloke."

Communications director Sophie McGill said: "Jack's death has saddened everyone at the club. We send our sincere condolences to his family and friends.

"Jack was a York City legend and will never be forgotten. His appearance at the launch of the Supporters Trust in February 2002 showed his commitment to the club even in his latter years.

"A minute silence will be held at today's game to mark his great contribution to York City Football Club."

Updated: 10:44 Saturday, August 21, 2004