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Cec Coldwell 1929-2008

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United legend Cec Coldwell passes away.

Former Blades player, captain & manager Cec Coldwell has passed away at the age of 79.

Much has been spoken of Sheffield United’s defence this season, and rightfully so with the impeccable record they have had of late, conceding just twice in the last 8 games.

However, the 1960/61 season that saw United gain promotion to the old First Division contained arguably United’s best defence of all time. Conceding just 51 goals, something that has been bettered just a handful of times in the 47 years that have passed since. Alan Hodgkinson, Cec Coldwell, Joe Shaw, Graham Shaw, Gerry Summers and Brian Richardson were the key factors in that defence and the first 3 certainly would get into many United fans all time top XI.

Coldwell, was the instrumental right back, who made over 600 appearances for United scoring 2 goals. Born in the small village of Dungworth (between Stannington & Bradfield), Coldwell would spend 15 years at Bramall lane as a player signing from Norton Woodseats in 1951 for just £10.00. He became captain in the late 50’s and skippered one of United’s greatest ever sides to promotion in 1960/61.

Upon retiremnt at 37, Coldwell joined United’s coaching staff and helped manager John Harris in the seventies, coaching the likes of Tony Currie and Alan Woodward. Coldwell would go on to take temporary charge of the team on two occasions; 1975 when Ken Furphy left the club, and after Furphy’s successor Jimmy Sirrel (1977) who also sadly passed away in September this year.

After leaving football altogether, Coldwell ran a newsagents in Cheadle Hulme, Stockport.

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