A "WONDERFUL" football coach has died just three weeks after he was diagnosed with cancer.

Tadcaster Albion's head of goalkeeping Robert "Bob" Whitwell, 52, died on May 8 in St Leonard's Hospice from pancreatic cancer.

The dad-of-one's death came as a shock to both family and friends as he had appeared fit and healthy only days before.

However, he received the devastating diagnosis from doctors when a Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) revealed the extent of his illness.

He married his wife, Diane, in hospital a week later after living with her for 17 years at their home in Dunnington.

"He was perfectly fine for weeks," she explained.

"To be taken within two weeks of diagnosis was really vicious. It was so quick and very sudden.

"It's really difficult because on one hand you want to mourn but on the other you have to organise everything and I feel like I'm on a merry-go-round at full speed."

Interior designer Mr Whitwell first became involved with football aged eight and was recognised for his talent between the sticks from an early age.

He played for York School Boys and attended a goalkeeping school in Manchester with the former England and Manchester City stopper Joe Corrigan.

In recent years he became a part of The Brewers' coaching staff and helped the next generation of players hone their skills by leading sessions for City Football Development.

Mrs Whitwell added: "He was a loving father and dedicated to his work. He touched the lives of many people because of his interior design work.

"Nothing was too much trouble and he took his goalkeeping to another level because he was able to connect with every child he coached.

"He was very well liked in our village and it's quite sad to think he has died and he doesn't know how well thought of he was."

Tadcaster Albion’s owners Matt Gore, James Gore and Kent Mayall added: "We were deeply saddened by the recent death of our goalkeeping coach Bob Whitwell, and have been in touch with his family to offer our support and condolences.

"Bob was a wonderful football coach and a wonderful man who first got involved with football coaching when he joined CFD back in 2004. We were delighted to have him on board at both i2i Sports and Tadcaster Albion in more recent years.

"He was extremely popular with both players and fellow coaching staff, and his commitment and dedication to local football was outstanding. He will be sorely missed by everyone at Tadcaster Albion and i2i Sports. RIP Bob."

Mr Whitwell's funeral will be held at York Crematorium on May 20 from 11am.

Anyone who would like to make a donation to St Leonard's Hospice or Cancer Research UK can do so at the ceremony.