DENIS Smith, one of York City's most successful managers, today led another bouquet of heartfelt tributes to Keith Walwyn, the club's striking legend, who died this week.

The death of Walwyn, who was the second highest goal-scorer in the Minstermen's history, was first revealed in later editions of the Evening Press yesterday. His days at Bootham Crescent continued to spark praise from all quarters of the club.

Currently manager of Wrexham, Smith was City's boss for the bulk of Walwyn's City career which spanned six seasons from 1981 to 1987, including the 1983-84 season in which the team won the old Fourth Division championship with a record 101 points.

Smith told the Evening Press today that he had been 'devastated' by the news, adding that had Walwyn been a player in his prime now he would certainly have been worth millions of pounds.

Said the Wrexham boss: "Keith was such a lovely man. Everybody liked him because he was one of those people you really enjoyed working with.

"When I first came to York City I could not believe the size of him and the power he had. As a manager he was a joy to work with. You dream about having players like that at your disposal. He would come in with a smile on his face every morning and get on with the job."

Describing Walwyn's talent as 'awesome' Smith revealed that the striker's ability at leading the front-line was such that it attracted a bid from Coventry City, then an established top-flight club. However, Walwyn turned down their interest as he preferred to stay with York City.

"He could have easily played at a higher level. He was so strong. He was sheer power, yet he would not harm a fly deliberately," said Smith.

"It's just such a shock for somebody so young to have died. I'm devastated."

Derek Hood, who was a team-mate of Walwyn during that mid-1980s' title-winning term, insisted that the striker was his 'York City hero'.

"There was a lot of debate as to who should be the club's Millennium man, but for me, apart from Arthur Bottom or Norman Wilkinson, then I believe Keith should have been the York City hero for the century.

"He was a fantastic guy - unassuming, level-headed and a true gentleman.

"I spoke to him just a few months ago about what the Supporters' Trust were doing to save the club and we talked of getting together, but we never did.

"When he played you always got 100 percent out of him - game in, game out, week in, week out. He was the ideal team man. It's a sad loss."

Updated: 10:37 Thursday, April 17, 2003