THE wife of the man who revived Tynedale Football Club has paid an emotional tribute to her husband after he died suddenly.

Peter Walsh died at the age of 66 from an undetected heart disease.

The well-known criminal defence barrister was also a dedicated football coach, founding several teams and coaching countless youngsters.

Peter was born in Glasgow, but moved to Hull with his mother at the age of eight, before moving to London to study politics and government at City of London Polytechnic.

He then studied law, also at city Polytechnic, and was called to the bar in 1982 at Gray's Inn - but it was his commitment towards local football that made the biggest mark in Tynedale.

He started Clara Vale Celtic, Wylam Celtic and later revived Tynedale Football Club in Corbridge.

Peter's wife, Debbie, explained Peter's mindset when it came to football.

She said: "There were girls and boys of all abilities - you didn't have to be good, everybody got a game. In the early 90s it was quite unusual for girls to play football but if you turned up, you got a spot.

"He started a team when we moved to Corbridge, and his friend Simon Packham joined in. When that year of children moved up there were more children and other parents took over. There were so many teams they re-started Tynedale football club."

Peter became known for arriving at training sessions still in a suit, and simply tucking his suit trousers into his socks and getting involved. He also paid for strips out of his own pocket.

Debbie continued: "The one common thread, from people from work and from football, who couldn't possibly know each other, was that he always had time for people.

"His door was always open. He was a very kind and supportive father, and he was kind and dedicated. Of all his teams, his greatest team was his family."