Maurice Setters, the former Manchester United player and Republic of Ireland assistant manager, who was born in Honiton, has died aged 83.

The wing-half, who made more than 400 appearances in the Football League, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease six years ago.

He spent his last two years in a residential home but became unwell a week ago and passed away at the Doncaster Royal Infirmary on Sunday morning.

Setters was born in Honiton on December 13 1936 and was educated in the town. He was an outstanding player as a youngster and joined Exeter City as a youth player in 1952, winning his first team place two years later. After ten games for the Grecians, he was snapped up by West Bromwich Albion for whom he made 120 appearances, scoring ten goals.

He joined Manchester United in January 1960 for a fee of £30, Matt Busby signing him as a replacement for the inured Wilf McGuinness. He spent five years at Old Trafford, making 159 appearances and scoring 12 goals.

In 1967 he joined Stoke City and also played for the Cleveland Stokers in America, Coventry City and Charlton Athletic.

After finishing his playing days, Setters had management roles with Doncaster Rovers, Rotherham United and Sheffield Wednesday, where he was assistant to Jack Charlton.

He later linked up again with Jack Charlton as assistant manager to the Republic of Ireland from 1986 to 1995.

Manchester United have paid tribute to Setters, who was best man at the 1961 wedding of club legend Sir Bobby Charlton and his wife, Norma. 

The club said they were deeply saddened to learn of Setters' passing, adding: "A fearsome competitor, Maurice made 194 appearances during the 1960s for United. He was part of our FA Cup-winning side in 1963 and captained the team on a number of occasions."

Setters is the latest is a number of former players who have died suffering from Alzheimer's disease which have included Jackie Charlton and Nobby Styles in recent months. Bobby Charlton is also suffering from the disease.

The Professional Footballers' Association is setting up a new taskforce to examine the issue of brain injury diseases caused by heading the ball.