Syd Farrimond: 1940-2022

Bolton Wanderers are saddened to hear of the death of former playing stalwart Syd Farrimond.

Farrimond, who made over 400 league appearances for Wanderers, has died at the age of 81.

A left-back who came into the Wanderers’ side as a successor to legendary FA Cup-winning full-back Tommy Banks, Farrimond went on to become a mainstay of the Wanderers’ side throughout the 1960s.

Hindley-born and a homegrown talent who came through the Whites’ junior ranks – as well as winning England youth honours - Farrimond flourished on the opposite flank to defensive great Roy Hartle once Banks had ended his Wanderers’ stay in 1961.

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Wanderers' players (from left) Syd Farrimond, Roy Hartle, Freddie Hill And Eddie Hopkinson listen out for the FA Cup fourth-round draw in January, 1966.

Having first come into the senior side against Preston North End in October, 1958, Farrimond spent a dozen seasons as a first-team player at Burnden Park, with his turn of pace and defensive nous always making it a tough afternoon for visiting wingers.

Following Wanderers’ relegation in 1964, he was part of the side that finished third in Division Two the following season and just missed out on promotion back to the top flight under long-serving manager Bill Ridding.

Farrimond – whose only goal for the club came against Norwich City in March, 1967 – remained with Wanderers until November 1970, when he joined Shrewsbury Town, ahead of the Whites' relegation to the Third Division.

He then moved to Tranmere Rovers and after playing almost 150 games for the Merseyside club had a brief spell at Halifax Town before ending his playing career in the mid-1970s.

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Syd Farrimond lays a wreath along with Wanderers' captain Kevin Davies and Aston Villa's Stiliyan Petrov in memory of former Whites' midfielder Gary Speed in December, 2011

Farrimond then held coaching positions with Sunderland and Leeds United before moving back to the Bolton area and latterly working at Wanderers in match-day hospitality.

After being diagnosed with dementia, he was a popular attendee at Bolton Wanderers Community Trust’s Sporting Memories sessions.

Everyone at Wanderers sends their thoughts, prayers and best wishes to the family and friends of Syd at this sad time.

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