Leeds United legend Eddie Gray has hailed his former teammate Bobby Collins as the most influential player in the history of the club.

Collins passed away aged 82 earlier today following a battle with illness.

Gray and Collins were teammates at Elland Road for two years in the mid-60s, helping Leeds to become one of the dominant forces in English football under Don Revie.

Collins, who also played for Celtic, Everton and Scotland, was the reigning FWA Footballer of the Year when Gray joined the club having captained the side to second place in the league and runners-up in the FA Cup in 1965.

"In my opinion Bobby Collins was probably the most influential player in the history of Leeds United. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him and played with him," Gray told the club's official website.

Collins played 167 times for the club, scoring 26 goals in the process.