Former Doncaster Rovers assistant manager Mickey Lewis dies at 56

Lewis worked under Dave Penney’s at Rovers for the 2005/06 season which brought the incredible run to the quarter finals of the League Cup with victories over Aston Villa and Manchester City before taking Arsenal to penalties.

His family confirmed to another of his former clubs Oxford United that Lewis had died only two weeks after being diagnosed with cancer.

The statement read: "It is with deep sadness that we have to tell you our beloved Micky has lost his short battle with cancer.

"Micky fought with typical bravery and tenacity having been diagnosed only two weeks ago with a rare and aggressive form of lung cancer.

"As we all know Micky loved football, loved people and loved life and we will miss him so very much.”

Lewis left Rovers in August 2006 when Penney was dismissed as manager, having stepped up to assistant manager at the start of the season.

He made more than 350 appearances for Oxford as a player and was caretaker manager at the club on two occasions.

Lewis spent time as youth-team coach, assistant manager and even sometimes drove the team bus to matches.

Former Rovers assistant manager Brian Horton was among those to pay tribute to Lewis.

"So sad to hear about the passing of Mickey Lewis,” he tweeted.

"I am absolutely devastated that he has left us at such a young age.

"Mark Lawrenson and I signed Mickey from Derby County in 1998 and he went on to play 350 games.

"He was a fantastic person and player."

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