More than 400 local football followers gathered at Southend Crematorium yesterday afternoon to pay tribute to popular coach Ray Scott.

Scott, 59, worked in Southend United's Football in the Community department and was also well known for his spell assisting Alan Hull at Great Wakering.

An apprentice with Blues before playing for both Basildon United and Chelmsford City, Scott was a close friend of England Under-21 and Hull City manager Peter Taylor who attended the funeral.

Scott suffered a stroke while returning from a concert in Maidstone a fortnight ago and died a week later in a Kent Hospital.

Among those also at the service were former Southend player, Bobby Kellard, who flew over from his home in Spain, and current Blues boss Steve Tilson.

Frankie Banks, head of the Community department, spoke at the service which was conducted by the man known generally as Southend's sporting cleric, referee Rev Frank Smith.

Scott lived at Ashurst Avenue, Thorpe Bay, and leaves a wife Shelley and son Matt.

Published Tuesday July 20, 2004

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