It is six years today that one of the greatest midfielders in our history, Ray Wilkins, sadly passed away at the age of 61.

Wilkins debuted for the Blues as a 17-year-old in October 1973 against Norwich City. Just over a year later – and with 28 senior appearances to his name – Butch was handed the captain's armband for the first time. He remains the club's youngest permanent skipper.

Ray led the Blues back into the First Division during the 1976/77 season and established himself as an England international. He would go on to 198 appearances for Chelsea, 170 of which were as captain.

Wilkins departed Chelsea in 1979 – our financial woes at the time necessitated a sale to Manchester United. He spent five seasons with the club before enjoying notable spells at Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, Rangers, and Queens Park Rangers.

Less than two years after ending his playing career in 1997, Ray returned to Chelsea as first-team coach under Gianluca Vialli. He would hold the same role under Luiz Felipe Scolari, Guus Hiddink and Carlo Ancelotti between September 2008 to November 2010.

His relationship with Chelsea endured and Wilkins had a season ticket in the East Stand, where his banner now hangs inside Stamford Bridge.

He is remembered as one of the nicest men in football and left a lasting legacy in the game, as many former teammates and those who worked under him at Chelsea have attested to over the years...

Ray Lewington, who played alongside Wilkins in the Chelsea midfield: 'He was amazing, Ray. In the modern game, he'd be a superstar. He made everything look so easy. He was naturally two-footed and had vision like you wouldn't believe. He had so many qualities it was unbelievable.’

Clive Walker was a teammate of Wilkins for three seasons at Chelsea: ‘When I first got to know Ray, we were with the England schoolboys. We were the same age - I was his partner cleaning boots.

'He was streets in front in the age group we were in. His demeanour in the dressing room was superb and it's no wonder he became a Chelsea captain. It was a surprise he was above Peter Bonetti and Ron Harris, but that’s who he was. He was a tremendous character and a fantastic bloke.’

Former Chelsea manager Glenn Hoddle played alongside Butch for England: ‘I was 17 when Ray Wilkins came into my life. At the 1975 European Under-18 Championship, we roomed together, two Londoners who immediately hit it off. We had a real laugh together.

‘I was a bit younger than him but he always seemed five years older. He was so mature. We won that tournament, the first of many trophies for Ray. He was such a fantastic player at keeping the ball and had superb vision.

'I was on the bench when he scored a stunning goal against Belgium at Euro 1980, chipping the defenders and then curling the ball past Jean-Marie Pfaff in goal. We played together at the World Cup in 1986, when he was sent off against Morocco and suspended.

‘His leadership qualities stood out and he was fantastic around the team. He was probably bitterly disappointed, but in front of us, it was team first.'

Former England captain Terry Butcher played alongside Ray: 'I don't know anybody who had a bad word to say about Ray - on or off the pitch. 'He was an absolute gentleman but a fierce winner. It was a pleasure and a real privilege to play with him.'

Current England head coach Gareth Southgate was a teammate of Wilkins at Crystal Palace: ‘It was a pleasure to work with him. I used to room with him in that spell. I was 22 or 23 years old and captain, he was 35 and had the respect of everybody. We were a group of young upstarts, he was a class act.

'He was an absolute gentleman to work with, a top professional who taught us how to act, behave and prepare for games. It was a privilege to have known him. He was universally respected by everyone in football and had time for everybody.’

Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola worked under Ray during his first spell as Chelsea first-team coach: 'I remember going through difficult moments, Ray was always good to talk to. He was able to provide good answers to your questions.

'It was funny because he was the assistant coach and the tendency is not to tell much to the assistant, but you felt free to talk about anything with him because you knew what was coming back was the truth.'

Former Blue Michael Duberry worked under Ray during the 1998/1999 season: 'He was a true gent. A footballing man with so much knowledge. He was someone whose respect you wanted. You wanted him to like you as a player, you would got to him for knowledge. He was everything and gentleman isn’t too often used in football, but he was a true gent.’

Chelsea legend John Terry was establishing himself in the Chelsea first-team when Ray first took on the role of the assistant coach: ‘I was a young player, I was nothing, but he had so much time for me and the other young players and passed on his education of the game and his experiences in football.

‘I will always remember him saying to me: "JT, why have two touches when one will do? Get it and give it. They’re the proper players, son, you’re a defender for a reason!"

‘He would pick players up after defeat. As individuals, if you were going through a difficult time on and off the field, he’d be the first to pull you into the office, put an arm around your shoulder, or call you and make sure everything was ok.

‘It wasn’t just the first-team players, it was the staff as well. He treated everybody exactly the same. He made everyone feel special.’

Chelsea's all-time top scorer – and future Blues head coach – Frank Lampard worked under Wilkins during his second spell at the club: ‘I’ve nothing but the best memories of Ray Wilkins. You will hear time and again from people in football, at Chelsea, and anyone who came across Ray that he made you feel at ease instantly.

‘When Ray returned to Chelsea as assistant manager, he was crucial to the success we had. Football at this level is stressful and demanding, and sometimes you can lose sight of the reality.

'Ray was fantastic at bringing you back down to earth in a good way, with a light comment, or support in a difficult time.

‘Every player who played under him in that period will only have great things to say about Ray because of how he handled himself and what he meant to that squad.’

Jose Mourinho was in charge of another of Ray's former clubs, Manchester United, when our former midfielder passed away: ‘Ray will be remembered as a fantastic footballer but more importantly, he will be remembered as a really true gentleman. I was lucky enough to be in his company on many occasions and his love of football always shone through.’