Jim Smith: Ex-Portsmouth and Derby manager dies at 79

- Jim Smith who handled Portsmouth, QPR and Derby County has passed away

- The former manager died on Tuesday, December 10, after battle with illness

- Smith last coached Oxford Football side before he retired from coaching in 2009

English clubs Portsmouth and Derby County have announced the demise of their former manager Jim Smith who died at the age of 79 after long term battle with illness.

The Englishman played football for years before he became a coach where he took Birmingham to topflight and Oxford to the first division.

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Smith also served as League Managers Association chief executive before returning to management and leading Derby to the Premier League.

His last club as manager was with Oxford football team as caretaker boss before he retired from coaching in 2009.

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During Smith's coaching career, he was in charge of 1,500 games with nine clubs across the Leagues.

And while playing active football, Smith spent over three years with non-League side Boston United and also had spells with Halifax and Lincoln.

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Meanwhile, his death came just days after English football fraternity was plunged into mourning following the demise of former Aston Villa, Birmingham City and West Brom manager Ron Saunders.

Aston Villa confirmed the sad news in a club statement on Saturday, December 7, revealing his family had sought for privacy to mourn the legendary manager.

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