Tributes paid to former Carlisle Utd physio and Workington Reds manager

The Blues today said that Hampton had passed away on a family holiday in Cyprus aged 66.

Hampton had close to a decade as physio at Brunton Park and later became Workington boss.

Carlisle chairman Andrew Jenkins said the club's thoughts were with his family and described Hampton as a "loyal servant" of the Blues who was trusted and respected.

Long-serving former United physio Neil "Dolly" Dalton also paid tribute to the man who had a major influence on his career.

Dalton succeeded Hampton as first-team physio at Brunton Park in 1997 and remained in the role until this year when he left for Aberdeen. He said he owed a lot to the Oldham-born former Leeds United player.

Dalton told the News & Star: "Peter had a huge impact on my career, initially as my physio while I was playing, and then afterwards - firstly tutoring one-to-one in sports therapy, before I went on to take my qualifications.

"We both then went back to university together in Salford to do our physio degree in the late 1990s.

"Along with the late [former club doctor] Dr John Haworth, he was a mentor for many years and someone I could always talk to for advice or help - and, along with his wife Chris, was a good friend.

"He was a great man who will be sorely missed."

Hampton started his professional career with Leeds, the left-back making around 70 first-team appearances for the Elland Road club.

He was in their squad as an unused substitute for the 1975 European Cup final, before joining Stoke in 1980, where he went on to make more than 100 appearances.

He later had spells with Burnley, Rochdale and Carlisle, for whom he made 12 appearances in the 1987/88 season before becoming the club's physio.

Hampton during his early days as Carlisle's physio

He held the senior physio position until 1997, having been a trusted member of Mick Wadsworth and Mervyn Day's backroom staff during the club's successful mid-1990s period.

United chairman Jenkins said: “Peter was a loyal servant of the club who had a real dedication to his work.

“He was trusted completely by every manager he worked with and the players in the dressing room had a huge amount of respect for him.

“His knowledge helped many an injured player to recover quickly, and his ‘can do’ manner made him a pleasure to know and work with.

“I got to know him very well personally and he will be a real miss around Carlisle.

"Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this very sad time.”

After leaving Carlisle, Hampton went on to manage Workington from 1998-2001, his spell at Borough Park including the North West Trains First Division title in 1999 with a side that included ex-Spurs and England star Paul Stewart and a young Grant Holt.

Hampton, left, at Workington with Paul Stewart and former Carlisle boss Mick Wadsworth

Former top-flight striker Holt also said Hampton had been a big influence on him.

He tweeted: "Can't believe this sad news. The man that give me my first taste of semi-pro football and a few kicks up the backside has passed away. What a great manager, gentleman and friend. He will be missed."

Hampton also worked at the Cumberland Infirmary and later worked with Carlisle United's academy. His grandson, Joe White, is on the professional books at Newcastle United.

Workington have posted their own tribute on their website, noting that Hampton "remains the only Workington boss with a championship asterisk on his CV" and also led the west Cumbrian club to the Cumberland Cup.

"We send our condolences to Peter's family at such a sad time," added Reds.

Carlisle's supporters' trust CUOSC added their tribute, saying: "CUOSC would like to pass on their sincere condolences to Peter Hampton’s family and friends after hearing of his passing.

"Peter was a great servant to Carlisle United and will be sadly missed."

Former Northern Ireland star David McCreery, who worked with Hampton during his time as Carlisle boss and coach from 1992-4, tweeted: "Devastated to hear the world has lost a gentleman. Peter Hampton was my good friend and assistant at Carlisle United.

"So knowledgeable about the game but also always had my back which is rare in football. Never forgot that. My condolences to the family. #RIPhampo."

Stoke Fans' Council also paid tribute and said: "Very sad to hear that Peter Hampton, former Stoke City stalwart, has passed away. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time."