One of the last surviving members of Norwich City's famous team that reached the 1959 FA Cup semi-final has paid tribute to former team-mate Errol Crossan after he died aged 85.

The Canadian right-winger played in all 11 games as the Canaries made national headlines by overcoming the odds in reaching the last four of the competition as a third-tier side before being beaten by Luton in a replay.

Mr Crossan, who scored four goals in the cup run, including one in the 3-0 win over Manchester United in the third round, has been described as a 'lovely guy' by Terry Allcock, who was another member of that historic side.

Mr Allcock, 80, who scored 127 goals in 389 games for the Canaries, said: 'He was a lovely guy.

'He was the comedy part of the team, really, as regards keeping everyone's spirits up.

'He really was the humourist in the team. He was also the quickest in the team – his pace was tremendous.

'He also had a good shot and scored a few goals in the cup run as well as in the league. He was a lovely guy to play alongside. If you played a pass that was overweight he would catch it because he was so quick.'

Mr Allcock, who, like Mr Crossan, has been inducted into Norwich City's Hall of Fame, said his former team-mate was 'very popular' not only with the players but the crowd too.

'Everyone whose got a bit of pace excites the public and he did that on every occasion.'

Mr Allcock, who has retired from the family funeral service business, said he wanted to pass on his condolences to the family of Mr Crossan who he had last seen at one of the 1959ers reunions a few years ago.

He added: 'It's sad to keep seeing them disappear. We're getting older, unfortunately.'

A statement on City's official website said: 'The thoughts of everyone at Norwich City are with Errol's family and friends at this time.'

Born in Montreal on October 6, 1930, Mr Crossan moved with his family to the Isle of Man at the age of eight and played for Manchester City, Gillingham and Southend, before joining Norwich in September 1958. He went on to make 116 appearances during a spell that also included promotion to the old Division Two in 1960, scoring 32 goals in the process.

He was transferred to Leyton Orient in February 1961 before moving back to Canada, where he finished his playing career and later worked as a supervisor for Canadian Forest products before retiring.

Do you have any memories of the 1959 FA Cup run? Write (giving your full contact details) to: The Letters Editor, EDP, Prospect House, Rouen Road, Norwich NR1 1RE or email EDPLetters@archant.co.uk

Comment – Page 34