FORMER York City attacker and Manchester United talent scout Barry Tait had many credentials to boast - but maybe his longest-lasting legacy will be in helping bring back junior football to Bishopthorpe.

Born in 1938, Barry made 16 appearances for his hometown club between 1958 and 1960, scoring five goals as an inside forward.

In the period between leaving the Minstermen and 1965, the 5ft 6in goal-threat played for Peterborough United, Bradford City, Halifax Town, Crewe Alexandra, Notts County and Scarborough. For Halifax, he recorded a mighty 23 goals in 35 games, including a 10-minute hat-trick against Swindon in the FA Cup to come back from 3-0 down to win 4-3.

He returned to Bootham Crescent as an assistant coach and scout from March 1990 to September 1994.

Meanwhile, over an 11-year period until 1998, Barry also worked with top-tier titans Manchester United, scrutinising players for boss Sir Alex Ferguson, before being appointed manager at York Railway Institute.

At the request of friend Brian Kidd, in May 2000, Barry set up a development centre for Leeds United at Oaklands in York. Sam Byram - who currently plays for Norwich City - was one of the players to go through the centre.

Barry passed away peacefully aged 82 on October 23 this year.

But he will be remembered by the sounds of encouragement, competition and enjoyment that ring out at Bishopthorpe White Rose, who held a minute's silence for their founder member.

For Barry grew up and lived in Bishopthorpe's Main Street for 35 years, and he played a key role in re-establishing junior football in the village after almost half a century's absence.

When daughter Jacq and her husband Gary Featherstone in 1999 found that their boys had no village teams with which to play football, Barry lent a hand by coaching the first sessions for nine- and 10-year-olds.

The teams still go strong today.

Though beset by on-and-off illness - including three bouts of cancer, a heart attack and a brain bleed - since his first cancer diagnosis in his early 30s, he never let on, Jacq says, and he never let the illnesses get in the way of him enjoying life.

"He was a one-off,” said Jacq.

"His first love was football and he lived life to the full. He was very courageous, as he had many illnesses.

"He never moaned and always got right back up after any illness. He got fit by walking and went on to live life again to the full. He loved going on holiday and socialising.

"He had short-term memory loss but you would never know - he could remember any game or score in any match from years ago.

"I can hardly imagine anyone knew he was ever unwell as he always had an all-year tan, a big smile, and he lived life to the full. He loved his family very much and was a good friend to many.

"He will be very sadly missed by all his family."

Barry leaves wife Sonja; children John and Jacq of first wife Doreen; children-in-law Gary and Karen; grandchildren Carl, Craig, George and Charlie; and great-grandchildren Faith, Brooke, Eliza and Oliver.

His funeral is at St Andrew's Church, Bishopthorpe, Wednesday, November 11 at 10.30am. It is family only. The family request no flowers but donations may be made in his memory at uk.gofundme.com/f/barry-tait-bwrrfootball-york-against-cancer.