A MANCHESTER United player in the 1930s, who became a local hero in Whitefield, has died at the age of 87.

John Hall, known to many as Jack, was with the Reds between 1933 and 1936 and became the club's number one goalkeeper. He made his debut with the reserves in 1932 and made his way into the first team 12 months later.

Mr Hall, who died peacefully in his sleep last Friday (Aug 11), was playing in the first team when it made its historic move up to the First Division after winning the Division Two championship in the 1935/6 season. It co-incided with a major move for Mr Hall when he was sold for a then record fee, £4,000, to Tottenham Hotspur, before moving on to Celtic.

His roots, however, were firmly established in the north west and in later life he became a well-known character around Whitefield.

His daughter, Susan Campbell, said: "Dad was a local hero in the pubs. The young lads who now support United would always find time to talk to him and invite him to all their parties."

Mr Hall, who recently moved to Redcliffe Nursing Home, Prestwich, lived for many years in Welcomb Walk and was a regular face in nearby pubs.

His family, daughters Susan and Jean and two sons Peter and Allan, have decided to lead the funeral cortege today from his local, The Welcome Inn, on Bury Old Road.

A service will be held at Stand Church in Church Lane and Mr Hall will be buried wearing his Manchester United club blazer and tie.

Mr Hall, whose wife, Irene, died in February aged 79, leaves eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

After hanging up his football boots he worked as an engineer at BYC, Radcliffe.

Susan added: "Dad was very proud of his football achievements, the sport was a big part of his life which lived on long after his career ended in the 1950s."