TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Tranent Juniors and Preston Athletic footballer who passed away last month.
David Moyes, from Haddington, died suddenly following a heart attack on April 16, aged 68.
Born in Haddington, David attended St Martin’s School in Tranent and later Ross High School. He went on to become a bricklayer.
He married his wife Diane in 1980 and had two daughters, Nicola and Alana. He also had four grandchildren: Jessie, Romey, Emmey and Hendry.
In a statement the family described David as a “loving family man” who was “overjoyed when his grandchildren arrived” and would “spend as much time with his family as possible”.
The family said: “The sudden death from a heart attack has left the family, friends and community in shock.
“He will be sorely missed and his quote would be ‘see you behind the goals’.”
An avid football fan and talented player, David played for Macmerry under-14s, Tranent Colts and later Tranent Juniors and Preston Athletic at youth level before signing for Berwick Rangers in 1975.
A strong defender, he spent eight years at Berwick, making more than 200 appearances and netting 13 goals. David was a key member of the squad which won the Second Division title in 1979.
He later signed for Meadowbank Thistle in 1983, where he spent two seasons, making 42 appearances, and then spent two seasons at Dunfermline Athletic, where he made a further 38 appearances and netted two goals. He was part of the Dunfermline squad which won promotion to the Premier Division in 1987 under Jim Leishman.
He returned to Berwick in 1987, where he made 35 appearances before retiring in 1988.
David’s love for football continued into a coaching career as he took the helm as manager of Tranent Juniors in 2001 alongside James Thomson. The pair remained at the club until the 2004/05 season.
The club held a minute’s applause on Saturday ahead of their game with Celtic B in memory of David.
A spokesperson for Tranent FC said: “The club wish to express our sincere condolences to his wife Diane, daughters Nicola and Alana, and all the extended family.”
They added that they hoped the tribute would “give the legend that was David Moyes the send-off he deserves from all at Foresters Park”.
A spokesperson for Preston Athletic added: “The club were deeply saddened to learn the passing of a non-league and league football legend in his own right, Davie Moyes. To all those who knew Davie, he lit up a room; such a joy to listen to and a great family man.”
Dunfermline Athletic club historian Duncan Simpson said: “Davie is fondly remembered in Dunfermline, in part because the stories of his time here have grown arms and legs.
“Whether they are all true is debatable and, in any case, we can’t repeat them here!
“However, there is no doubt that his presence on the field inspired others at a time when Jim Leishman was looking for players with courage and commitment.”
Berwick Rangers welcomed David in the back of a hearse on Sunday, where he was piped around the ground and applauded by fans who came along to show their respect.
A spokesperson for the club said: “All at the club send their sincere condolences to the Moyes family and mourn the death of a true Berwick Rangers legend.”
A celebration of David’s life will be held at the Loch Centre in Tranent at 11am on Monday before he is laid to rest at Tranent Cemetery at 12.30pm.
Flowers will only be welcomed from family but a collection will be held in aid of Tranent Belters on the day.
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