Former York City wing-half and York RI manager Ron Mollatt has died, aged 68.

He had been suffering from cancer of the liver and died at St Leonard's Hospice in Dringhouses, on Tuesday afternoon. He had been transferred there from York General Hospital days earlier.

Born in Edwinstowe, Nottinghamshire, on February 24, 1932, Mollatt signed professional terms with Leeds United in 1950, where he became great friends with the legendary John Charles, being best man at the Welsh international's wedding.

In July 1955, after completing his National Service with the 12th Lancers, Mollatt, a former England Youth triallist, joined the Minstermen.

He made his debut for City in a Division Three (North) 1-0 win over Gateshead at Bootham Crescent on December 3, 1955, and stayed with the Minstermen for five years, making his last appearance in a 3-1 Division Three defeat at Wrexham on April 18, 1960.

During his time at Bootham Crescent, he was a dependable wing-half, his aggressive tackling endearing him to the City faithful, many of whom thought he was allowed to leave too early.

After three years playing for Bradford City, he retired from the professional game to become a painter and decorator, later working for Samuel Smith's Brewery. However, he stayed in the sport, becoming familiar with the non-League scene in Yorkshire .

He played for and became player-manager at Bridlington Trinity and in 1980 replaced former York City coach Colin Meldrum as manager of Tadcaster Albion. Between 1982 and 1989 he was manager of York RI, guiding them to a Northern Counties East League title.

He also scouted for League club Barnsley, and was involved in various capacities with the Leeds Old Boys' Association, most latterly as chairman.

Updated: 09:17 Thursday, January 18, 2001