FOOTBALL fans will pay tribute to a former player, considered a ‘legend’ at his hometown club, with a minute’s applause before their game this weekend.

Spennymoor Town FC, in County Durham, had proposed a period of silence in memory of David ‘Kid’ Curry before their FA Cup third qualifying round tie against Chorley, at home tomorrow (Saturday, October 1).

But at the suggestion of his family, this was changed to a round of applause which is felt more in keeping with his passion for local sport.

Mr Curry, nicknamed Kid after a television character, was brought up close to the club’s ground, The Brewery Field, and watched them in matches and training from the age of five.

He played for Spennymoor Juniors and soon moved up to the seniors where, as right back and in midfield, he had a successful career which included playing in a memorable FA Trophy run in 1977/78 and captaining the team.

He was so devoted to Spennymoor he turned down moves to Football League outfits Plymouth Argyle and Darlington but gave up playing in his late 20s after breaking his leg twice and dislocating an ankle.

An all-round sportsman he also liked cross country running- as did twin Joe- and cricket.

He married wife Janet at St David’s Church, Tudhoe, in July 1985, and their sons David, 30, and James, 16, have both followed in their father’s footsteps as keen and talented sportsmen.

Their involvement in local football and cricket teams led to Mr Curry coaching many young players in both sports- particularly at Tudhoe Cricket Club and Kirk Merrington Juniors FC.

Officials at the cricket club described him as ‘the father’ of all volunteers who encouraged countless youngsters to play no matter what their ability and instilled a passion for the game in many.

Mr Curry had done many jobs such as factory work over the years, including 17 years at Black & Decker. He had been working in Bishop Auckland last Wednesday and, after getting a lift back to Spennymoor, was cycling home to Tudhoe when he collapsed and died, aged 58.

Officials and players at Kirk Merrington Juniors considered postponing a game last Sunday but instead paid him the ultimate tribute by winning 2-1, with James scoring both goals.

Mrs Curry said: “When I was asked if they should postpone, I said Dave would have asked ‘why the hell would you do that when you can go and win it for me?’.

“So that’s what they did, it was the best tribute they could pay him, especially James.”

She said hundreds of people from across the town have contacted the family to pay tribute to a man who spanned generations and helped and was loved by all.