FORMER York City manager Charlie Wright has sadly passed away aged 86.

Wright, who managed York from 1977 to 1980, has passed away at the age of 86.

The ex-goalkeeper began his career with Rangers in Scotland, before making the trip across the border and into England for a stint with Workington.

Whilst at Workington, Wright earned the attention of Grimsby Town, and went on to make just shy of 130 appearances for the Mariners.

A spell with Charlton Athletic followed, where Wright accumulated 195 appearances for the Addicks from 1966 to 1971, before the switch to Bolton, where he would retire after an additional 88 appearances.

Wright would transition into academy coaching for Bolton, before joining York as first-team manager four years after hanging up his playing boots.

He replaced Wilf McGuiness as manager on November 22, 1977, but was unable to steer City clear of relegation from Division Three.

York would go on to finish in 22nd position in the 1978/79 season under Wright in Division Four, before showing a drastic improvement in the following campaign, reaching as high as tenth in the fourth tier.

That same 1979/80 campaign included an FA Cup run that saw the Minstermen reach Round Four of the competition, with wins over Blyth Spartans, neighbours Scarborough, and against Luton Town, before being knocked out by Division One runners-up that season Nottingham Forest.

His final season in charge of York saw City finish bottom of Division Four, in a campaign where he left the club in March, to be replaced by Barry Lyons.

A brief managerial spell back at Bolton followed, but upon stepping away from football, Wright ran a café in Greenwich named Charlie’s Place for around 15 years.

He was also capped by Hong Kong and even earned the Player of the Year accolade for his national team.

Tributes have began for Wright, which included York legend John Byrne, who was given his debut for the Minstermen by the former manager.

Byrne stated on social media: “Sad to hear the news that my former manager at York City Charlie Wright has passed away. He gave me my debut for the first team and I can’t thank him enough for that. He was a real character proper old school. RIP Charlie x.”

York City have paid tribute to their former manager, and will also remember Wright in their annual moment of silence in the New Year's Day fixture against Gateshead at the LNER Community Stadium (3pm).

The club said: "We are saddened to learn of the passing of former manager Charlie Wright, who took charge of the Minstermen between 1977 and 1980.

"We will remember Charlie in our annual moment of silence on New Year's Day."

Bolton also paid tribute to their former player, coach and manager, saying: "All at Bolton Wanderers are saddened to hear of the death of former goalkeeper and manager Charlie Wright.

"Our thoughts are with Charlie’s family and friends at this sad time."