Tributes have been paid to former Millom, Barrow and Whitehaven forward Edmund ‘Tally’ Thompson who has died at the age of 79.

‘Tally’ was one of the old type hookers whose duty it was to win possession from the scrums and was a master of his trade.

Although he played football in his early teens, rugby league was his game, signing for Millom and playing alongside many top amateur players in the Woolybacks team, like Fred Gill, Gerry Cummings, Peter Evans Glen Hughes, Barry Johns, Ceddy Jackson etc.

In 1967 at the age of 25 he took the professional ticket with Barrow where he spent six seasons making 110 appearances crossing for seven tries before moving up the coast to Whitehaven.

At the Recreation Ground he spent three years coming back to Barrow in 1976 for a one match loan spell scoring a try against Oldham. He also represented Cumberland.

“Tally” also coached Barrow's “A” team for two years alongside Frank Foster.

It was then back to his roots at Millom, as a coach, guiding them, in 1979, to a first round Challenge Cup tie with top professional side Hull at the famous Boulevard.

Millom who had five amateur internationals in Mick James, Peter Knowles, Joe Jackson, Steve Mossop, and Jim Bawden, lost 33-10.

Close friend for several decades, Vernon Edmondson, said: “Tally was a great lad, we travelled hundreds of miles watching Millom and had many a good craic. He was Millom through and through.”

Former York and Barrow player Bob Coglan added: “Tally was a good player when I coached Millom. I also played alongside him; he was a very good hooker, very sad news.”

Millom chairman Craig Evans said: “Tally was good for the Millom club, he was not only a good player, but he was also a good coach having many successful years in the role picking up many cups in the Barrow league.

"After his coaching days, he was always at the ground and offered his help when needed.

"He was part of the club and was made a life member. He will be sorely missed.”

Tally is survived by his wife of 51 years Margaret and sons, Neil, and Andrew along with four grandchildren.

A service will take place at Barrow Crematorium of Friday, October 1, time to be confirmed.