FRIENDS and family of a popular York postman and talented footballer will gather tomorrow to pay tributes to a “gem” of a man.

Eddie Gill, a major part of the successful Rowntrees (York) AFC team of the 1970s and 1980s, died aged 67 following a ten-year struggle with Alzheimer’s disease.

His wife, Barbara, has spoken of a fiercely competitive person, but a true gentleman who, even after injury finished his footballing days, took up bowls to once again enjoy sporting success.

She said: “When he left school, he got a job at Rowntrees and that’s where we met in 1964. He was all about football then. He loved it. He was a big Manchester United fan too. He even called his dog Eric after Eric Cantona.

Barbara said she even remembered Dave returning home from their honeymoon in Scarborough to make sure he could play in a vital local match.

After leaving his job at Rowntrees, the former Canon Lee pupil eventually joined the Royal Mail, first delivering in Acomb, before taking on a round in the city centre.

“Everyone knew him,” said Barbara. “He loved his job.”

Good friend and footballing rival Billy Leonard, a former captain of Riccall United, said: “He was a gem. We used to knock pieces out of each other, but there was always a handshake afterwards.”

Eddie’s sporting life took an unexpected new turn after he broke his leg while playing his beloved football.

Barbara said: “He used to go to the Conservative Club and a friend got Eddie into bowling.

“He played for North Yorkshire and even represented England at one point.”

He leaves his widow and a daughter, Sharon.

His funeral will take place at 3pm tomorrow at York Crematorium.