'Legend' O'Connor dies, aged 69

DES O'Connor with George Best

TRIBUTES have been paid to a Chadderton publican who played for Manchester United.

Des O'Connor, a former United goalkeeper who went on to be landlord of Chadderton's Rifle Range Inn, has died aged 69.

The ex-sportsman, who grew up in Ardwick, was close friends with Sir Matt Busby and George Best and became a doorman in one of Best's clubs before owning numerous pubs around Greater Manchester.

Des sadly passed away due to septicaemia at Northern Manchester Hospital.

During his later years he owned the Cheshire Cheese pub on Oldham Road, Manchester, Town Hall Tavern, Manchester, Gardeners Arms in Droylsden, The Berkshire in Blackley, The Seymour in Chorlton and his last pub, where he lived until he was taken to hospital, The Rifle Range Inn.

His daughter, Kelly, said during his few weeks in hospital, he became known as the 'Manchester Legend' due to the amount of visitors that came to see him.

Kelly added: "We are really overwhelmed by the support people have shown him. There were so many coming to the hospital. We can't thank everyone enough.

"He had such a full amazing and wonderful life and knowing that gives us so much joy."

As well as his four daughters, he had five grandchildren.

The funeral takes place at St Patrick's RC Church, Collyhurst, on Friday, November 18, at 10am.