TEAMMATES have joined in the tributes for a 'fiercely loyal' legend of local football after he lost his battle against cancer.

Andrew Ford, 49, a former Kendal Town player and manager at Ibis Football Club, sadly died at 6am on Wednesday, November 4, after a brave seven month fight with the disease.

The 'proper football man' played for Netherfield, Endmoor, Kendal Town, Staveley, Windermere, Ambleside and, lastly, Ibis, where he secured the club's promotion to the first division of the Westmorland League for the first time in seven years.

His Ibis team have now paid a moving tribute to the man they know as 'Fordy'.

Luke Deveney, a regular Ibis player, said: "As Ibis 1st team manager, Andrew Ford was a fiercely loyal and fiery leader who fought tooth and nail for his players and the club he loved so much.

"Always willing to make changes and play individuals wherever required in order to help the team achieve results, Andrew showed an insatiable appetite for Westmorland League football which undoubtedly rubbed off on the players he worked with at Ibis.

"The Bees produced some outstanding football and were extremely difficult to beat under Andrew’s stewardship in recent times, so much so that Ibis 1st team haven’t lost a home league game in Westmorland Football since April 8, 2014.

"As a talented player, Fordy won many medals himself but he remained immensely determined after his playing days were over to help Ibis return to the first division of the Westmorland League and in the 2014/15 campaign this target was achieved, much to his delight.

"Superb results in the run-in to promotion last season such as the 3-2 victory over eventual title winners Unisun Athletic and the all-important 4-0 win over Shap on the final day brought great joy to the man who had worked so hard behind the scenes as well as on match days to help his charges towards success.

"The good form in the top flight that the men in blue have enjoyed so far this season is testament to the resolute and purposeful efforts of Andrew who strived to put together a competitive side at Ibis and the club is now reaping the rewards of his labour over the past few years.

"As friendly and welcoming a character as you could wish to meet, Fordy would do anything to help his players on and off the field and as both a football manager, and more importantly a friend, Andrew Ford will be sorely missed from all those at Ibis Football Club.

"RIP Fordy."

Mr Ford leaves behind his wife of 20 years, Jo, and three children - Josh, 21, who currently plays for Ibis' first team, Kane, 18, and Bryony, 16.

Hundreds of people took to Facebook to pay tribute to 'a true gent' and Mr Ford's wife has also released a statement.

Jo, who went to every single match her husband was involved in, said: "Desperately sad at losing my amazing, brave Fordy. He was an incredible husband, father, son, brother and friend to many.

"I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of love for him, thank you to all. I will miss him more than words can ever say, he was my best friend and soul mate, my life will not be the same without him."

Mr Ford's funeral will be held on Tuesday, November 10, at 1pm at St James' Church, Steveley, and everybody is welcome to attend - members of the family have said 'the more the better'.

The dress code is black and white and there are to be no flowers, just donations to Cancer Research.

The crematorium is just for immediate family but people are welcome to pay their respects at Ibis Club, Mintsfeet Road, Kendal, from 3.30pm onwards.