FORMER Swindon Town forward Ernie Hunt has died, aged 75.

Hunt became the club's youngest-ever player at 16 years and 182 days when he made his debut during the 1959/60 season, a record he held until 1980.

He finished as Town's top scorer for four consecutive seasons between 1961 and 1964, also scoring the club's first-ever goal in Division Two.

England U23 international Hunt scored a total of 88 goals in 237 outings for his home town club before going on to represent the likes of Wolves, Everton and Coventry.

A Swindon Town statement said: "The thoughts of everyone at Swindon Town are with Ernie's family and friends at this very sad time.''

Hunt was famous for scoring the "donkey kick" free-kick which led to a change in the rules.

His volley against the Toffees - the first goal to be shown in colour on Match of the Day in 1970 and winner of the BBC's goal of the season - came after Willie Carr flicked the ball up with his heels.

The move was later outlawed by the game's rule-makers.

ADVERTISING inRead invented by Teads After leaving Highfield Road he joined Bristol City in 1974 before moving into non-league football, later becoming an inductee into Coventry's Hall of Fame.

"Coventry City Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the death of the former striker Ernie Hunt," said the Sky Blues in a statement.

"Hunt passed away on Wednesday night at the age of 75 in a care home in Gloucestershire, having been suffering from Alzheimer's disease."

Wolves added their own tribute on Twitter, which read: "The club is extremely saddened to learn of the passing of former player Ernie Hunt.

"The thoughts of everyone at Wolves are with Ernie's friends and family."