George Ley, a one-time Portsmouth defender who later played in England and the United States, has died at the age of 80, his former clubs announced.
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Ley began his professional career with Exeter City before joining Portsmouth in May 1967 for a fee of £8,000 (roughly $160,000 today). Because the transfer was completed after the deadline, Portsmouth required special permission from the Football League for Ley to make his debut, which came in a 1-1 draw at Huddersfield on the final day of the season.
A full-back, Ley went on to make more than 200 appearances for Portsmouth, scoring 11 goals. He was part of the side that finished fifth in Division Two during the 1967-68 season and reached the fifth round of the FA Cup, including a victory over top-flight Fulham.
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He later joined Brighton in 1972 before going on to play for Gillingham.
Ley finished his playing career in the United States, appearing for clubs including the Dallas Tornado, Wichita Wings and Oklahoma City Slickers. After retiring, he remained involved in the game as a coach.
Exeter City said Ley made more than 100 appearances for the club between 1963 and 1967, contributing to its promotion campaign in the 1963-64 season.
Ley was inducted into Portsmouth's Hall of Fame in 2015.
Portsmouth and Exeter City both extended condolences to Ley's family and friends.
