TRIBUTES have poured in for a Rosyth man who helped generations of young footballers in the town.

Former dockyard worker Jimmy Haddow, who was well known in sporting circles across West Fife, died earlier this month at the age of 66.

He played football from an early age and one of his first successes was when he lifted the Fife Schools Cup with Kings Road Primary.

During the match, he provided several assists to team-mate Allan Evans, who went on to play for Dunfermline Athletic and Aston Villa, with whom he lifted the European Cup in 1982.

After playing for teams including Rosyth, Hill of Beath Amateurs and playing on S Forms for the Pars as well as for the Rosyth Dockyard team, he coached youth side Harley Villa, which went on to be Rosyth FC.

He also coached local school teams and was manager of Park Road Primary's team for around seven years.

Born and bred in Rosyth, Jimmy worked as a stoker at the dockyard before he had to take very early retirement in his thirties due to ill health.

He married wife Kathryn and the couple went on to have three children, Ewan, Stuart and Claire, as well as five grandchildren, Billy, Georgia, Frankie, Jamie and Poppy.

A tribute on Rosyth FC's Facebook page described Jimmy as a "proper gentleman" and said the club was devastated at his death.

"Jimmy was involved with Harley Villa as a coach and involved in the transition to Rosyth FC where he led a very successful team through the age groups," it stated.

"Jimmy was responsible for making loads of local kids fall in love with the game and if our current coaches can impact half as many people's lives, then they've did a great job."

The post attracted comments from people who had come into contact with Jimmy through his life.

One said: "So sorry to hear. A great football guy who would always give you an honest opinion. Condolences to the family.", while another wrote: "So sad, knew Jimmy for years, he was a brilliant footballer and absolute gentleman, he will be sadly missed."

Another post stated: "How many of his ex-players are coaching and running clubs? Testament to the efforts he put in with us all.", while one added: "One of the finest players I had the pleasure of playing alongside at Rosyth under-21s over 40 years ago. RIP Jimmy. Deepest condolences to all the family."

Son Ewan said the family had been overwhelmed with the tributes.

He added: "The family would like to thank everybody for their nice messages and show of support during this difficult time."

A funeral service for Jimmy will take place on Friday, July 1, at Dunfermline Crematorium at 2pm.