One of Norwich City's most iconic players was fondly remembered as football paid its last respects to the midfield genius of Graham Paddon. The left-footed player, who died aged 57 on November 19, became an instant hero at Carrow Road with his accurate passing and shooting skills, long throw-ins, his famed flowing gold locks and trendy fashion sense.

One of Norwich City's most iconic players was fondly remembered as football paid its last respects to the mid-field genius of Graham Paddon.

The left-footed player, who died aged 57 on November 19, became an instant hero at Carrow Road with his accurate passing and shooting skills, long throw-ins, his famed flowing gold locks and trendy fashion sense.

Former Canaries players from the famous 1971-72 promotion squad, including Doug Livermore, team captain Duncan Forbes and David Stringer and David Cross attended their friend's funeral at St Nicholas Church, Bradwell, near Yarmouth.

And the wider world of football also paid its respects as FA Cup winning West Ham stars Sir Trevor Brooking and Frank Lampard Snr sombrely sat in the pews in memory of their talented teammate, who played with them at the highest level for three years.

As an ultimate mark of respect to a true footballing genius, the 100 mourners paid a moving tribute by holding a minute's applause as Mr Paddon's coffin was taken from the church to be cremated.

Before the funeral Mr Livermore said: “It is such a sad, sad day today. Graham was a great footballer, a great mate and a great person all round.

“You can tell by the number of people here just how highly Graham was thought of in the football world and I will miss him tremendously.”

Born in Manchester, Mr Paddon was signed by Canaries by Ron Saunders for £25,000 in October 1969 and during two spells from 1969 -73 and 1976-81 he made 340 appearances scoring 37 goals, including an away hat-trick against Arsenal in the League Cup.

He joined West Ham in 1973 for £170,000 and then helped the London side win the 1975 FA Cup and scored a memorable goal in the semi-final of the Cup Winners Cup against Eintracht Frankfurt.

During the service Norwich City chaplain, the Rev Albert Cadmore, read out a message from a fans' website, which summed up Mr Paddon's approach to football.

“A lovely player, typical of what is best about West Ham United and Norwich. A skilful technically adept player with a bit of flair - and dodgy hair.”

After the funeral, former England and West Ham defender Sir Trevor Brooking said that Mr Paddon was a key member of the West Ham FC Cup winning side and that the modern troubled England would love to have his left-footed skills in the side.

Paying tribute were former City coach and scout Ronnie Brooks, Canaries player Jeremy Goss and Dale Gordon and assistant manager Ken Brown.

Portsmouth Football Club also sent a wreath in memory of his time there as assistant manager and reserve team coach in the 1990s.

The current Norwich manager Glenn Roeder sent a wreath to the funeral as he and the team were unable to attend because they were travelling to Saturday's away fixture at Stoke City.

Mr Paddon leaves partner Sandra and son Guy, who lives in Bradwell, and daughters Jenny and Heather.