A FOOTBALL legend - dubbed ‘the valley’s answer to George Best’ - has died at the age of 61.

Tributes have flooded in following the death of Billy Greenan, who was responsible for some of Rossendale United’s finest hours and also starred for Bacup Borough.

The hard-working midfielder earned plaudits as both a player and manager for the Dark Lane side after moving to the valley from his native Edinburgh.

Yet following a childhood bout of rheumatic fever, Billy’s career appeared over before it had even begun.

His mother Margaret Greenan was told by doctors that he would never play competitive sport after his illness.

But Billy, of Sowclough Road, Stacksteads, defied medical advice and was renowned first as a flying winger and then a tenacious midfielder.

Daughter Lindsay Greenan, 34, of Clover Street, Bacup, said: “People used to say that he was a real battler.

“And some of the older hands said he used to be Rossendale’s answer to George Best. He always enjoyed life and was really generous.”

Billy was hospitalised with a kidney problem in October and returned home. But in his weakened state he fell victim to broncho-pneumonia last Thursday.

His funeral will be held at Burnley Crematorium on Friday at 10.40am, with a buffet held later at the football club.

In his playing days his honours for United included winners medals for two Cheshire League championships, a league challenge shield, Lancashire Junior Cup, Lancashire Floodlit Cup and Ashworth Cup.

His season’s best goals tally of 19 was in 1973-74 and he also featured in the Rossendale club’s two memorable FA Cup runs that same decade, reaching the Second Round to lose to Bury and the First Round exit to Shrewsbury Town in 1975.

He teamed up with Steve Connaghan as assistant manager, after a stint with Whitworth Valley, and helped to guide the side to a North-West Counties League in 1987-88, going one better 12 months later by winning the title.

A Rossendale United spokesman said: “Billy will be fondly remembered by all who met him. He was a great player and character who played the game with a smile and had time for everybody.”

A spokesman for Bacup Borough, where Billy was also a reserve team manager for a spell, added: “Billy was an accomplished footballer and had a fantastic rapport with players.

“All the staff, players and officials at Bacup Borough would like to pass our sincere condolences to the family of Billy. He will be sadly missed.”