Luton Town hero Raddy Antic passes away

Luton Town legend Radomir 'Raddy' Antic has sadly died today.

The 71-year-old joined the club in 1980, playing 108 times and scoring 10 goals, as the Hatters won promotion to Division One in the 1981-82 campaign.

However, it was his strike against Manchester City at the end of the 1982-83 season which earned his hero status at Kenilworth Road.

Then, Luton were moments away from relegation, before Antic netted with four minutes to go, sealing a 1-0 victory and sending then manager David Pleat into a now famous jig of delight on the Maine Road surface.

Born in what was Yugoslavia, Antic had played for Sloboda Užice, Partizan, Fenerbahçe and Real Zaragoza prior to his move to Luton.

He won one cap for his country too as on leaving Luton, Antic went into management, taking over at Real Zaragoza in 1988.

Spells with Real Madrid, Real Oviedo, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Celta Vigo followed, winning La Liga and the Copa del Rey with Atletico during the 1995–96 season.

He was in charge of Serbia for two years, leading them into the 2010 World Cup Finals, before heading to the Chinese Super League, managing both Shandong Luneng and Hebei China Fortune.

Although no cause has been given yet, the Hatters paid their own tribute, saying: "We are devastated to learn of the passing of Town legend Radomir Antic, at the age of 71.

"A true Hatters hero, for promotion and preventing relegation.

"The thoughts of all at Kenilworth Road are with his family and friends at this terribly sad time.

"Rest in peace, Raddy."

Meanwhile, Barcelona's official Twitter added: "Radomir Antic, who managed FC Barcelona in 2003, passed away today.

"The Barça family mourns the loss of a man who was deeply beloved in the world of football.

"Rest in Peace."