Lacey commentated on more than 500 games for Carlisle

BBC Radio Cumbria commentator Derek Lacey, the voice of Carlisle United for more than a decade, has passed away, aged 67.

Lacey, who covered more than 500 matches for the station, was taken ill on Tuesday and died in Carlisle's Cumberland Infirmary a day later.

His commentary career began when he worked for Cumbrian hospital radio in 1978, covering United matches.

He leaves a partner, Hilary, has grown-up children and was a grandfather.

After a spell as match summariser, Lacey took on the role of Carlisle United commentator in 1998 and over the years became a popular figure amongst supporters for his warmth and self-deprecating humour, as well as earning cult status for his on-air mistakes.

606: DEBATE Leave your memories and tributes to Derek Lacey

Derek was behind the microphone to commentate on Jimmy Glass's famous goal that kept Carlisle in the Football League on the final day of the 1998-99 season and commentated for the final time on another final day escape as Carlisle beat Millwall - and the drop - back in May.

Lacey's death brought messages of sympathy from the club he covered, Carlisle United, most notably from manager Greg Abbott.

"He was the kind of man who could only ever see the good in people. We became really close friends, but he never used that friendship against me," said Abbott.

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"He would regularly tell me what his opinion was, particularly through the tough part of last season, and we would have some really interesting debates whenever we got together.

"I trusted him 100%, and he was a football man through and through. His passion for the game, and for Carlisle United, were second to none.

"I'm going to miss him, as he was as much a part of the build-up to the game and to the post-match follow-ups as anyone, and I used to look forward to hearing what he had to say."

Former bosses who have worked with Lacey also joined in the tributes, including Paul Simpson who went from player to coach at his hometown club and worked with Lacey for three years.

"You could hear the passion in his voice for the football club, and he was just a decent bloke," he told BBC Radio Cumbria.

"As a football manager more than a player you very rarely come across someone in the media who you want to stay in touch with because usually they've shot you in the foot at some time, but I've kept in touch with him all the time.

"I don't think he had a bad bone in his body."

Simpson's successor, John Ward, was also keen to pay his respects to the commentator, who covered Ward's two seasons in the job, including play-off heartbreak away at Leeds United.

"Derek was an absolute gentleman and he put people ahead of the story," he said.

"He saw it all commentating on his time at the football club and the sign there at the club that says 'Lacey is a legend' and that must stay.

"He created a bit of fun, as well as the job being serious for both of us."

A minute's silence is due to be held when Carlisle United take on Brentford on the opening day of the League One season - Saturday, 8 August

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