TRIBUTES have been paid following the death of a well-known North-East footballer and manager.

Stockton-born Ken Furphy died at home last weekend and left behind a legacy that will inspire generations of future footballers.

During a career that spanned decades and took him around the world, Mr Furphy coached Pele and managed prominent players including George Best.

Mr Furphy, who was 83, began his professional footballing career as a defender for Darlington and played for clubs including Workington and Watford.

He went on to become a well-respected manager for clubs including Blackburn and Sheffield United and made history as the first football manager to allow his pre-match team talk to be broadcast on television.

Mr Furphy made a name for himself in the US when he took charge of the New York Cosmos, going on to manage teams in Miami, Detroit and Washington before returning to the UK.

Fellow Darlington legend Ron Greener – who still holds the record for the most appearances for the club – remembers playing alongside Mr Furphy.

Together, Furphy, Greener and Bill Rutherford were known as Freeman, Hardy and Willis and were respected as “the best backline Darlington ever had”.

Mr Greener said: “I first met him when I came to Darlington and he was very obliging, helping me settle in.

“He was a very organised man and was immaculate every time he stepped onto the pitch – my boots were filthy and his were always clean.

“He was always ready to play and would run for a full 90 minutes up and down.

“He was a fine, fine lad and as a player, he was reliable and very good.”

He added: “I’m very shocked by his death, the last time I saw him was in 2003 to say farewell to Feethams.

“He will be missed by friends and family and I’m sure he will never be forgotten.”

In later years, Mr Furphy settled in Teignmouth, Devon where he covered local football for BBC Radio Devon.

:: Further tributes will be paid in Mike Amos’ column this week.