A FORMER Wycombe Wanderers midfielder who played a part in the club’s first-ever appearance in the FA Cup third round has died.

Terry Reardon, 79, played 132 times for the Chairboys between 1973 and 1976, where he was included in the team that faced Middlesbrough in 1975.

It was the first time that the Chairboys had reached that stage of the competition.

The then-Loakes Park side managed to produce one of the shocks of the round as the Non League outfit frustrated the top-flight North East team with a 0-0 draw in South Buckinghamshire, before narrowly losing 1-0 in the replay three days later.

Away from Wycombe, Reardon was best known for his time at Slough Town, where he played an incredible 475 times for the Berkshire-based team, scoring 90 goals.

Reardon would then manage the team where he masterminded an FA Cup win over Millwall for the Rebels during the 1982/83 season.

Outside of football, he worked as a plumber.

A statement on Slough’s website reads: “Terry’s early years in football were marked by representative honours with the Slough and District Schools team, drawing massive crowds to the Dolphin on Saturday mornings.

"He represented the district side for four seasons and graduated to the county youth side at 17.

"Throughout his football career, Terry was a hard-working yet skilful midfielder.

"Terry played for Yiewsley before joining Slough, where he spent four years.

“After a brief spell away, he returned to Slough and made a lasting impact. 

“Beyond football, Terry represented the National Association of Boys' Clubs, Berks & Bucks FA, and was uniquely capped by both England and Wales at amateur level. He also played cricket for Berkshire.

“We extend our deepest condolences to Terry’s family and friends at this sad time.”