TRIBUTES have been pouring in following the death of former Weymouth and Dorchester footballer Bob Forrest, aged 73.

The ex-Leeds United inside forward, passed away on Tuesday after suffering a stroke a few days earlier.

Born in Rossington near Doncaster on May 13, 1931, Forrest, like so many Yorkshire youngsters, became a miner after leaving school. While working in the pits he played his Football for Retford but was signed by Leeds for £500 in December 1952.

After 121 appearances and 37 goals for the Elland Road club, he moved to Notts County in February 1957, skippering them to promotion from the Fourth Division, three years later.

Forrest came to Weymouth in the summer of 1962, playing 166 times for the Terras and netted on 46 occasions. He then took the job of player-boss at Dorchester where he remained until his retirement in 1970.

Terras director Matthew McGowan said: "Everyone at Weymouth was devastated to hear of Bob's death and our thoughts are with his wife Madge and his children and grandchildren. Bob was a real gentleman and it's hard to think he's no longer with us.

"He was one of those tough, strong, uncompromising men on the park who was totally committed to his football. Off the field he was totally different and one of the nicest people you could ever wish to meet.

"I have so many great personal memories of Bob but one of the most vivid is when our centre half at Weymouth, the great Tony Hobson, got injured and had to miss a couple of games.

"Although he was an old fashion inside forward, Bob played at centre half in place of Tony for those matches and did so well that Tony couldn't get back into the team again straight away. That was typical of the big man - he put all of himself into everything he did and even played pubs football for a few years after finishing at Dorchester."

He added: "His big mate in football was Jackie Charlton who he knew from his Leeds days. Bob ran a guest house in Weymouth, which is where he settled for good after his football days and Jackie would regularly come down and spend his holidays there.

"It is a very sad loss and everyone who knew Bob Forrest will miss his warmth and friendship tremendously."

Dorchester chairman Eddie Belt, who played for the Magpies under Forrest's leadership, recalled the Yorkshireman's unique training routines.

He explained: "I played under Bob as a youngster at Dorchester and he was a truly wonderful character. He was like a breath of fresh air in this part of the world because he was so professional in his approach.

"One thing I do remember was that he was an absolute fitness freak and used to make us walk up to Maiden Castle in training. Walking might not sound that bad but let me tell you, Bob's walk was faster than most of us could run.

"Dorset football has lost a wonderful man and we'll all miss him dreadfully. On behalf of Dorchester Town Football Club I send my condolences to Bob's family and friends who are in our thoughts at this sad time."