Source: FOOTYMAD
Ralph Coates passes away after stroke
Former Burnley, Tottenham, Orient and England star Ralph Coates passed away this morning after suffering a stroke a week ago, and the news has hit supporters of his former clubs very hard. Ralph spent most of his career in the top flight with the Clarets and then Spurs and he was a massive crowd favourite with both clubs. Today's news, following a week long fight in a Bedfordshire hospital, has been met with tributes coming from supporters of both sides.I've just read the official Spurs web site. They have described him as a very likeable man and that says so much about him. I'd never met him until around eight years ago when I got the opportunity to sit and have a chat with him. He'd been a hero of mine up to then and that chat did nothing to spoil that. He was fantastic to talk to.At Burnley, the tributes have come from two of his former team mates who are now both back at the club. Paul Fletcher said this morning: "We all remember him with great fondness here in Burnley. He was revered here and it is a very sad day for everyone. He will be very sadly missed."Martin Dobson was the other team mate. I spoke to Dobbo myself a week ago when we heard of the stroke and he was very upset. This morning he said: "I think the greatest compliment I can give Ralph is that he was a great guy."He was immensely popular with the fans and in the dressing room and he always had a smile on his face. What a player he was, and everybody warmed to him."You just knew the supporters were genuinely happy to see Ralph playing for Burnley Football Club and there's not many players who have that warmth and affection. He was just a smashing guy and it's a sad, sad loss."Ralph's last visit to Burnley was for our home game against Leicester. On that occasion he signed two shirts for Clarets Mad that will be auctioned at the end of the season. Now, on behalf of Clarets Mad, I would like to offer sincere condolences to Ralph's family and friends.Ralph will be missed by so many, but never forgotten. Rest in peace.Read Ralph's profile written in January 2009 and Richard Oldroyd's Interview with him in September of last year.If you wish to add your tribute to Ralph on Clarets Mad then you can do so at this Message Board Thread
