Shaw had spent 21 years with the Blades and was regarded as one of the best centre-halves never to be capped by England. He racked up 629 League games at Bramall Lane and is still the club record holder for appearances.

Born in Murton, County Durham, on June 23, 1928, he named former Blades colleague Billy Hodgson as his coach at Bootham Crescent but he was unable to revive City's fortunes and prevent them from having to reapply for re-election to the league at the end of the season.

He quit the club for personal reasons (he cited the travel from his Sheffield home and the need to support his wife's struggling shop - Ed) having won nine, drawn nine and lost 13 of his matches in charge. He later went on to manage Chesterfield between 1973 and 1976.

Perhaps his greatest achievement at City was the recruitment of Derby reserve player Phil Boyer in the summer of 1968, who went on to play for England under ex-Leeds United boss Don Revie.

Nick Bassett, York City club secretary, said: "We are very sad to hear the news about Joe Shaw. He was a popular manager at York City and a legend at Sheffield United where he made more than 600 appearances.

"Joe managed City from November 1967 to August 1968 when he made a shock announcement to resign for personal reasons. We send our thoughts and condolences to his family."

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Eric Winstanley, York City youth team coach, played under Shaw at Chesterfield for four years, said: "I am very sad to hear that Joe has passed away. He was respected by everybody and was well liked by everyone.

"He was an exceptional footballer and I consider it a great compliment to have been bought from Barnsley to play for and captain his team as he was known as the best centre-half never to be capped by England."