Funeral for Magpies legend Sirrel

Six former Notts County players carried the coffin into the church

The funeral of former Notts County manager Jimmy Sirrel has taken place in Nottingham.

Sirrel, who died aged 86 on 25 September, led the Magpies to the top flight of English football - the former Division One - in 1981.

His funeral took place at St Mary's Church in Nottingham on Tuesday afternoon, with the procession starting at Notts County's Meadow Lane.

He was born in Glasgow in 1922 and had been in poor health for several months.

Bagpipe tribute

Sirrel had three spells as manager of the Football League's oldest club, from 1969-75, 1978-82 and 1985-87.

He has been hailed as the Magpies' greatest manager by supporters who have called for a Nottingham road to be named after him.

Six former Notts County players carried the coffin into the church led by a man playing the bagpipes. The current team and staff also attended.

Many big names were there to pay tribute to Sirrel.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said: "He meant a lot to me. When I was a young coach in '72 he gave me great advice way back then and was always available for advice.

"And particularly when I wasn't doing well, he'd always give you a phone call and he'd come across to a game and sit with you for hours.

"He took care in people, and time. I think that's what my lasting memory will be of the man. Fantastic."

Devoted to football

Former football manager Lawrie McNenemy said: "Jimmy was a long-standing friend of everybody in the game, certainly of my age and when I was managing early on, Jimmy was around at Notts County."

Dave Mackay, a former player for Nottingham Forest and Derby County, said: "He was a great football manager and he'll be remembered by everybody."

Former Spurs and Leicester manager David Pleat said: "He never sought the high life, he was wonderfully dedicated. He was quirky, very funny at times, but he was totally devoted to football."

Former England football manager Howard Wilkinson was also among those paying tribute during the service.

The Bishop called for applause to celebrate Sirrel's life and the service closed with a rendition of the traditional football hymn "Abide with me".