Fulham legend Stock dies

Hammers skipper Bonds and Fulham's Mullery in 1975

Alec Stock, the manager who led Fulham to the FA Cup final in 1975, has died at the age of 84.

Fulham won the First Division title on Bank Holiday Monday after drawing 1-1 with Sheffield Wednesday but their celebrations were muted after hearing the news of Stock's death.

A Fulham statement read: "It is with deep regret that we report the death of former Fulham manager Alec Stock, the man who led the Cottagers to their only FA Cup final appearance in 1975.

"The club sends its deepest sympathy to Mr Stock's family and friends at this difficult time."

Cup shock

Stock also managed QPR, taking them from the third to the first division and winning the League Cup with a dramatic 3-2 victory against West Bromwich Albion at Wembley in 1967.

He also managed Leyton Orient and Luton, and enjoyed earlier FA Cup joy with Yeovil Town in 1949.

Stock took over at Huish Park in 1946 and three years later led the club to a landmark Cup win.

Sunderland, Division One high-flyers at the time, were beaten 2-1 by the non-leaguers - a result which still stands as one of the biggest post-war FA Cup shocks.

But Stock went on to record even greater achievements with Fulham.

Their 1975 FA Cup final appearance was their first and only one to date.

They lost the match 2-0 to West Ham in front of a 100,000 crowd and their side boasted the likes of England internationals Bobby Moore and Alan Mullery.