HIS old team-mates carried him shoulder-high in to St Michael's Church, Kirkham yesterday and after emotional memories had been recalled in the next 45 minutes they carried him out again, writes Malcolm Huntington.

It was a fitting tribute to Keith Walwyn, City's legendary goalscorer, who died at the tragically early age of 47 last week following a heart operation.

Keith's former striking partner John Byrne, John MacPhail, Joe Neenan, Dave McAughtrie, Dale Banton and Derek Hood were pall bearers at the service which was attended by football personalities from many parts of the country.

Byrne, who had travelled six hours from Brighton, where he is now a chiropodist, said: "Keith was just a tremendous player to be alongside in a great team."

Steve Beck, the new City chairman, represented the club. Also among the large congregation were Tom Hughes, City secretary in the 1980s, former directors Barry Swallow and Colin Webb and ex-players Brian Pollard, Gary Ford, Malcolm Crosby, Alan Hay and Ricky Sbragia.

Graham Kelly the former Football League and FA secretary, Clive Middlemass, who signed Keith when he was manager of Carlisle and Notts County boss Billy Dearden were also present along with Shane Winship (ex-City secretary), Andy Heppell (chairman of York City Supporters' Club) and Colin Sanderson (Centre of Excellence youth coach).

They heard Denis Smith, manager when City became the first team in Football League history to reach 100 points in a season on their way to winning the Fourth Division championship in 1983-84, recall some magical moments in the five years they were together.

"Keith was never too much interested in my team talks so I hope he is pleased with what I am saying now.

"I remember how I was introduced to Keith's ability. I had played at the top level for Stoke and when I came to York, I expect Keith thought I was a bit of a big time Charlie. As I recall, I went up for a high ball in training and the next thing I knew I was flat on my back and bang, the ball was in the back of the net."

Tributes were also paid by the Rev Keith Brockbank, vicar of Kirkham, and Keith's sister, Valerie. The church service was followed by a service at Lytham Crematorium.

Malcolm Huntington is a former Evening Press York City writer, who reported Keith Walwyn's games for City in the 1980s.

Updated: 11:23 Saturday, April 26, 2003