Tributes to Gorleston and Great Yarmouth legend Alf Tooley

Having shone on football pitches, cricket grounds and squash courts across the region, family, friends and the sporting community have honoured the achievements of "a true gentleman" after the death of Alf Tooley, aged 82.

Warm tributes have been paid to Alf Tooley. Picture: Courtesy of the Tooley family (Image: Courtesy of the Tooley family)

Mr Tooley - who was playing cricket when he was 65 and still going to the gym three times a week when he was 78 - played football for Gorleston and Great Yarmouth throughout the 1960s and 1970s.

He represented Norfolk at both football and cricket, and was known as 'tireless Tooley' as he played squash in his 40s every night of the week.

Proud son Simon recalled: "He loved his sport.

"Dad was so well respected, fondly appreciated and regarded as an all-round character - a pretty unique man."

Born in June 1942 in Great Yarmouth, Mr Tooley attended Alderman Swindell, Priory Juniors and Technical High School.

It was at Priory Juniors school where he first played football, excelling to go on to play for the high school team and locally at Gorleston FC's junior side.

He made his debut for Gorleston's first team at 16 - facing the likes of Tottenham A and Norwich A in the Eastern Counties League.

The successful Eastern Counties League title winning Great Yarmouth Town FC side. Alf Tooley is pictured top row, on the right with arms folded. Picture: Courtesy of the Tooley family (Image: Courtesy of the Tooley family)

He continued to play for Gorleston up until 1966-67, when he joined neighbours Great Yarmouth Town, with Jimmy Moran - who played for Norwich in their famous FA Cup run in 1958-59 - player/manager.

In his first full season Yarmouth finished as runners-up to Lowestoft, before Moran led Yarmouth the club to its first - and to date only - league title in 1968–69.

After making 107 appearances for the Bloaters scoring 26 goals between 1966-1970, Mr Tooley moved to Gothic.

Alf Tooley, with Sammy Morgan. Picture: Courtesy of the Tooley family (Image: Courtesy of the Tooley family)

Before finishing his football career with a back problem, he also played for the Norfolk football team and the Sunday football side Nondescripts which he captained that featured Sammy Morgan amongst others who would play football professionally.

Touching tributes have been paid to Alf Tooley. Picture: Courtesy of the Tooley family (Image: Courtesy of the Tooley family)

After football Mr Tooley played cricket locally for Yare CC, where he was also club chairman, and Acle CC.

Son Simon recalled: "Dad also represented Norfolk over 50s at cricket which was a feat he was very proud off.

"He eventually retired from cricket at the age of 65 still keeping wicket on a regular basis.

"Dad was a local sporting legend, who also played squash for Gorleston Squash Club.

"But he was also very well known for running his own business in the town for over 40 years - his own plumbing and central heating firm - until he retired aged 67."

Alf Tooley on his wedding day with wife Janice. Picture: Courtesy of the Tooley family (Image: Courtesy of the Tooley family) Mr Tooley married Janice in Great Yarmouth in 1966, and the couple spent more than 50 years together before Janice died in August 2018.

They had two children Simon and Kate, and with Simon regularly playing cricket with his dad, the grandchildren play football now. 

Simon Tooley said: "Dad was a big Arsenal fan, and we were at the last game at Highbury and the first game at The Emirates.

"Unfortunately about three years ago, dad was diagnosed with dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

"Many people have reached out to us since finding out about our loss - dad was a great all round guy, who is sorely missed."

After Mr Tooley died on November 14, paying tribute on its club social media pages Great Yarmouth Town FC said: "Alf was an integral part of our 1968 league winning side and played over 100 games for the Bloaters.

"He was a true gentleman in every sense of the word and was adored by us all.

"Our thoughts, love and sincere condolences are with Alf’s family and friends."

Mr Tooley's funeral service will be held at Great Yarmouth Minster on Friday, December 6.