Former Albion favourite Jack Bertolini has died at the age of 87.

The right-half, born in Alloa of Italian background, played 279 times for the club between 1958 and 1966, scoring 14 goals.

He had previously played for Workington, where his managers included Bill Shankly.

Albion A-Z, the who’s who of the club’s players compiled by Tim Carder and Roger Harris, described him as “one of those players who never seem to have an off day” and “a rock in the Albion side during traumatic times.”

After his playing days were ended by a knee injury, he remained in the Brighton area.

He worked in the Goldstone Ground office, helped coach youngsters, briefly managed Whitehawk and then moved into the truck and van hire business.

Jack was diagnosed with dementia eight years ago and suffered declining health from then on.

He spent the last years of his life at Amberley Care Home in Worthing, where he was very well looked after.

His son Steven and daughter Tracy were with him as he died peacefully on Monday.