Football: Club 'saddened' by passing of 'influential' figure 

Foxdale AFC saddened following death of Paul Lemaire 

Tributes have been paid to a local 'icon' and 'influential' figure from the west of the Island. 

Foxdale Athletic Football Club say it's 'saddened to hear' of the passing of Club President Paul Lemaire. 

The club adds he 'was deeply influential in the resurgence of the club back in the 90s and became a grandfather figure to the players, the club, and the village. 

'Paul will always be remembered as a local icon whose pride in our village was unmatched.'

Paul would often be found at every Billy Goat Park game, at the Baltic Inn or 'manning' the Foxdale Heritage Centre. 

Foxdale says 'Paul will forever be a Foxdale Legend and will never be forgotten.'

They add there'll be a minute applause before both first team and combination fixtures today (11 October).

Paying tribute to Paul on Manx Radio's Friday Sport Preview programme, our football correspondent Tony Mepham described him as an 'absolute legend':