Brian Middleton, a former island football captain and stalwart of Peel AFC, has died suddenly.

He had only celebrated his 80th birthday on February 20 and was in fine health.

A popular and well-loved man, Brian was a patron of his adopted home town club, for which he made 346 appearances between 1956 and 1974 (including 318 for the first team).

Also a former club president, he scored no fewer than 53 goals from his position as half-back.

He made 12 appearances for the Isle of Man national side between 1957 and 1964, mostly as captain.

He was in the side that famously played top European club

Spartak Prague in 1964.

Brian was part of Peel’s all-conquering side of the early 1970s alongside the likes of Robert Teare and Keith McQuillan.

His eldest son Kevin also played for Peel, Pulrose and St Mary’s, managing the latter side until very recently.