SWINDON Town have paid tribute to Peter Downsborough, one of the heroes of the club’s 1969 League Cup-winning side, following news of his death.

Downsborough, who passed away last Thursday at the age of 76, played in goal for Town during that unforgettable final victory over Arsenal at Wembley 50 years ago.

His performance that day was one of his finest in a Swindon shirt and lauded by team-mates afterwards as Town claimed a 3-1 win after extra time.

Posting on Twitter, a Town statement read: “We’re devastated to hear of the passing of Peter Downsborough, our League Cup-winning goalkeeper.

“He was one of the heroes of that famous day, a fantastic goalkeeper and will forever be remembered by this football club as an all-time great.”

Fans group Swindon Town Supporters Trust added their own tribute on Twitter.

They posted: “Rest in peace Peter Downsborough, a Swindon Town goalkeeping legend of 1969. A very sad start to the week.”

Downsborough joined Town in 1965 and spent a total of eight seasons at the club, making a total of 320 appearances.

He began his career at hometown club Halifax Town in 1960 before moving to the County Ground.

After brief spells on loan at Brighton & Hove Albion in 1973 and Bradford City a year later, Downsborough joined the Bantams for good in 1974.

He spent the remainder of his career at Valley Parade before retiring at the end of the 1979-80 season.