Noel Lloyd most recently worked with Ellesmere Rangers

Shropshire football coach Noel Lloyd said the demise of scouting networks was his one big disappointment as he retired after 55 years.

"We have talent here, but nowadays big clubs just tend to buy established success," said 77-year-old Lloyd.

"I knew Joe Hart (Man City) was destined for big things when he was with me in the Shropshire U16s, and John Leah (TNS) made it to Darlington.

"But there are other players locally who could and should've been spotted."

Lloyd said he had had met some big stars in the game during his career.

Special award

"I remember the great Dixie Dean coming to Oswestry and showing me the gold medal he was given for the record he created - his 60 goals in a season for Everton," he told BBC Radio Shropshire.

"What's criminal is that Dixie ended up cleaning the streets in Liverpool before Everton gave him a testimonial.

"The huge amount of money in the game now means you'd never see one of today's top players treated like that."

Lloyd never left Oswestry, working with the likes of Oswestry Town, Llansantffraid, the county U16s and U19s, and, most recently, Ellesmere Rangers.

His dedication to the game over the past 55 years has now been recognised by a special award from the Shropshire FA.