SID Storey, perhaps the best bargain York City ever bought, has died aged 90.

The inside right, who lived in Haxby, was part of the famous Happy Wanderers side which reached the FA Cup semi-finals in 1955, and played more than 350 games in nine years for the Minstermen, scoring 42 goals.

He passed away on Tuesday night.

Born in Darfield, South Yorkshire, on Christmas Day, 1919, Sid cost only £100 when he was signed from Wombwell in May 1947.

Regarded as one of the best ball players in the Northern Division, his talent and skills set him apart and he was the creative spark of that 1954/55 side.

After netting vital goals in the FA Cup victories at Blackpool and Bishop Auckland, Sid missed the semi-final against Newcastle at Hillsborough through injury, when City drew 1-1.

He did play in the replay, when City lost 2-1 at Roker Park, but missed a number of league games towards the end of that campaign which harmed the club’s promotion hopes.

Sid was surprisingly given a free transfer in 1956 and retired in 1960, at the age of 40, following spells at Bradford, Accrington Stanley and Bradford Park Avenue. He returned to York and spent three years as a trainer-coach at Bootham Crescent.

Having been a coal miner throughout his playing days, in later years Sid worked as a driver for the West Yorkshire Bus Company, and came out of retirement to drive the open-top bus which celebrated York City’s promotion in the play-off final at Wembley in 1993.

Gordon Brown, who played half-back and inside-forward for City between 1950 and 1958, said Sid would be sadly missed. “He was one of the old-time footballers,” he said. “He was a good ball player and different to Arthur Bottom, who was big and powerful. Sid was a positional player and just a great footballer. The Happy Wanderers were a great time in my life and Sid will be sadly missed.”

York City conveyed their sympathy to Sid’s family and marked his passing with a moment’s applause prior to last night’s Blue Square Premier clash with AFC Wimbledon at Bootham Crescent.

Rob McGill, York City’s business development director, said: “I watched Sid play during my early days of supporting York City. He was an outstanding member of the team and an extremely skilful ball player. Sid was really exciting to watch and was much loved by the supporters. He was an old-fashioned, gentleman player and always a credit to the club. He will be missed, but I am certainly thankful of the memories he gave me. On behalf of York City, I send my condolences to Sid’s family and friends at this sad time.”

Former football league referee, and long time City fan, Graham Bradbury, said: “I never saw Sid play, but I did get to know him quite closely when I did the 50th anniversary of the Happy Wanderers in 2005. He was a great bloke and a fantastic man. He was obviously very light on his feet and he was quite a keen ballroom dancer. He was our oldest surviving player and up until recently he had been in reasonable health. He will be sorely missed.”