Tributes have been paid following the death of the former Workington Reds manager John McNamee.

He has passed away at the age of 83, it has been announced.

McNamee had a spell in charge at Borough Park towards the end of the west Cumbrian club's Football League days.

He was in charge for a six-month spell from the summer of 1975 to December of that year as Reds played in Division Four.

It was the only managerial role of the former Celtic and Newcastle United favourite's career.

McNamee was in charge for 23 games at a time Reds were struggling in the bottom tier of the English professional game, and just two years before they would drop into non-league.

In his playing days, the Coatbridge-born defender started his senior career with Celtic and played in the Scottish Cup final against Rangers at Hampden Park, before joining Hibernian, under Jock Stein, in 1963.

After three seasons in Edinburgh he joined Newcastle United, where he made 132 appearances over five years.

McNamee was in charge for six months in 1975 at Borough ParkMcNamee was in charge for six months in 1975 at Borough Park (Image: Workington AFC)

He was part of the Magpies squad that won the 1969 Inter Cities Fairs Cup.

He later had spells with Blackburn Rovers, Hartlepool United and Lancaster City

He then moved on to Blackburn Rovers and was a regular at Ewood Park for two seasons, before winding down a fine career with brief stints at Hartlepool United and Lancaster City, then making the last appearances of his playing career for Workington early in his managerial spell, after which he was succeeded at Borough Park by the former Carlisle United manager Alan Ashman.

"His two sons, John and Darren, spent time with Reds and we send our condolences to them and their respective families," a statement from Workington said, the club expressing their "deep sadness" at the news of his passing.

McNamee's other clubs have also paid tribute. Newcastle recognised McNamee in a statement and added: "The thoughts of everyone at Newcastle United are with John's family at this time."

"Hibernian FC is saddened to learn of the passing of former player John McNamee," Hibs said. "Our thoughts are with John's friends and family."