MATT Patrick, one of York City's best post-War players, has died after a long illness in York and District Hospital at the age of 86.

The Scot spent 17 years at the club, amassing 261 appearances, scoring 48 goals as a player before working on the coaching staff with the reserve and third teams.

Although he played many times in the same City team as his namesake Alf, they were not related.

Born in Slamanan, near Cupar, on June 13, 1919, Mr Patrick was the son of a miner and played in Scottish junior football before signing for Cowdenbeath in 1938.

The following year he volunteered with the Black Watch and within a month was serving in France. He then spent three years with the Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry and it was when he was based in York that he guested for City.

After the war he returned to play for Cowdenbeath but was soon back at Bootham Crescent, making his League debut in a 4-4 draw at Chester in the opening game of the 1946-47 season.

He developed into one of the finest utility players of his era and had a reputation for always giving 100 per cent.

Mr Patrick would play on the wing, at inside right or as a wing half and was joint top scorer with John Linaker in 1950-51. He even turned out in goal in a reserve game against Middlesbrough.

After leaving the club in 1957 he worked on the railways and for Manchester Chrome Plating before they were taken over by Armstrongs.

He lived in the Chapelfields area of Acomb and leaves a widow, Edna, two sons, Bruce and Robert, sister-in-law Deborah and grand-daughter Jenny.

Bruce said: "He was a fantastic guy and a great dad. I am proud to be his son."

Mr Patrick's funeral will be held on Friday at St Aiden's Church, Ridgeway.

Updated: 10:09 Monday, July 18, 2005