FORMER York City winger John Linaker has died after a long illness, aged 86.

Linaker, who was also an outstanding amateur golfer, played 98 League games and five FA Cup ties in his five seasons with City, scoring 20 goals.

Born in Southport in 1927, the right winger first came to prominence during the Second World War years, when he had spells with Everton and Manchester City. He served in the RAF during the war and won a number of swimming trophies.

He signed for Southport in November 1946 and a year later moved to Nottingham Forest.

Linaker joined York in June 1950 and was an ever-present in his first season, playing 46 League games and four FA Cup ties, bagging 13 goals.

His good form attracted the attention of several clubs and, in October 1951, he transferred to Hull City. He returned to Bootham Crescent in May 1953 and spent a further three seasons with the club before joining Scarborough in 1956.

Linaker ended his career back in the Football League with Crewe Alexandra in 1957/58.

Linaker was a fine golfer, playing off scratch for 20 years and representing four different counties.

He was York Union of Golf Clubs’ amateur champion in 1970 and York Open champion in 1972.

After his professional football career ended, he was a golf club administrator, and was honorary secretary of Fulford Golf Club in 1973 and 1974 before becoming a full-time official.

He was secretary/manager at Gullane, North Devon, Moor Park, Hadley Wood and Castletown.

When he retired, he returned to York and rejoined Fulford as a member, while also serving as chairman of the board for a spell.

Linaker suffered ill health in recent years following a stroke and died in St Catherine’s Nursing Home in Shipton-by-Beningbrough.

A funeral service will be held at York Crematorium on Thursday, June 27, at 12.20pm.