WORCESTER City legend Bill Jackman, who made 121 appearances for the club, has died after a short illness, aged 91.

Jackman scored 43 goals for City from 1947 to 1953 before going on to become part of the backroom team at the Lane.

The City forward bagged a hat-trick for Worcester in a 6-0 win at home to Bath City in a Southern League match in March 1948.

He remained at City until 1974 and will be well remembered for his career as a teacher — then headmaster - at St Stephen’s School which later became Northwick Manor.

Bill’s grandson Danny Jackman is part of the Carl Heeley’s current City squad.

Bill’s son, Nick Jackman said: “When my dad played for City, his mother kept a lot of press cuttings and it has been fascinating reading through them.

“Dad followed Worcester City’s results closely and he was 89 when he attended the final game at St George’s Lane. It was a very proud moment when he was able to watch his grandson play for the club.”

He added: “After finishing as a player, my dad remained at City until 1974. He had acted as a caretaker manager for a short period and doubled up as a trainer.”

Born in Royston in Yorkshire, Bill was educated at Normanton Grammar and was still at school when he signed on the dotted line for Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Bill did his teacher training in Leeds and, after finishing his national service, he was emplaoed as an education instructor at Southrop in Gloucestershire.

In 1945, Swindon Town were without a match and when Worcester City were stuck for a forward, Bill was given a chance to play for the Blue and Whites.

After leaving Wolves, Bill secured a teaching role at St Stephen’s School in Worcester and soon became a firm favourite with City at St George’s Lane.

Nick recalled: “Once there was an FA Cup replay some distance away from Worcester and because of my dad’s teaching commitments, one of the directors at the club flew him down.

“They feared my dad would not be able to get the replay on time.

“But the flight didn’t go to plan and I think they landed in a farmer’s field and didn’t make the match.”

Bill’s funeral service will take place at Worcester Crematorium on Thursday, May 28 at 11.30am.