HE learnt his trade alongside Sir Stan, helped England win the World Cup and narrowly avoided the Munich air crash... but then former Seasider Jimmy Armfield needs no introduction to those who know their sporting legends.

For the Manchester-born defender has spent more than 50 years in the hearts and minds of legions of Blackpool followers across the country.

In fact - the man who trained under Stanley Matthews - has inspired so much respect and appreciation that his fans are calling for him to be honoured by none other than the Queen!

Blackpool devotees on their independent supporters website Seasiders.net have begun a crusade to get their hero a knighthood.

And if successful Jimmy, now 67, will sit alongside fellow football legends Tom Finney, Matt Busby and, of course, Stanley Matthews in bearing the distinguished title of 'Sir'.

As a life-long supporter of Blackpool, Jimmy first walked through the gates of Bloomfield Road as an eager 17-year-old in 1952.

He went on to represent England 43 times, earning the title of 'best right back in the world' during the 1962 World Cup in Chile and managed both Bolton Wanderers and Leeds United.

But it is his unswerving dedication to the Seasiders and his refusal to leave his beloved Blackpool, despite transfer offers from many big name clubs, that has won him a place in the affection of the town - rivalled only by his former mentor, Sir Stan.

Now support for the campaign, which began in December last year, is so strong that bosses at the club have pledged their support.

And are to begin drumming up backing from fans by printing news of the cause in future club programmes and posting updates on their official web-site.

Blackpool Football Club Secretary Peter Collins said: "As far as anybody at the club is concerned there is no better ambassador for Blackpool than Jimmy Armfield.

"This is a man who resisted the lure of other big name clubs and dedicated his career to the town he loves.

"As a result of this, and his untiring work within the community, he has a huge following with fans and we are delighted they have come up with this way of honouring him.

"We will be backing the knighthood campaign 100 per cent."

Management are to begin making arrangements to give the campaign a higher profile as soon as possible.

And are hoping to kick-start their involvement by organising a charity night with Jimmy as special guest.