GEORGE Armstrong, who died this week aged 56, will chiefly be remembered as a flying winger in Arsenal's League and Cup double-winning side of 1971.

But to Worcester City fans, he'll go down in history as the man who took them out of the top flight of non-league soccer.

Armstrong was only in charge at St George's Lane for three months during the 1984-85 season, but he oversaw City's relegation from the Gola League -- now the Nationwide Conference -- and 15 years later, City are still waiting to return.

City were already in deep trouble when he took over from Bobby Shinton.

Armstrong had left a coaching role at Queen's Park Rangers to take over the hot-seat but, despite his best efforts, Worcester ended up just three points short of safety.

Gerald Turner, who was City chairman during Armstrong's spell in charge, said: "He put 100 per cent effort into the task, and it certainly wasn't his fault that we went down.

"He brought in several players from League clubs on loan, and I am sure if he had come in a little earlier he would have saved us.

"He came in and was fighting a losing cause right from the very beginning. The previous manager had not brought in any new players and left him in a very difficult position.

"The one thing I remember is that he was a perfect gentleman and was very respectful.

"I remember his first night at the club when he was introduced to the players. He had them in the vice-presidents' room and had a little chat with them.

"The pitch was covered in snow but he was out there training and kicking a ball around with them. After the session, striker Paul Moss came to me and said, "he will do for me"."

City picked up 13 points from 14 games under his management -- in that season teams had two points for a home win and three for an away success -- but defeat in a crucial game at fellow strugglers Barnet virtually sealed their fate.

Armstrong left the club at the end of the season and never again ventured into management.

Turner revealed that he wanted him to stay at the club, but was out-voted by his fellow board members.

He added: "Given time I think he could have done a damn good job for the club."