TRIBUTES have been pouring in for Bolton-born football legend Tommy Lawton who died yesterday. Lawton, aged 77, was born in humble beginnings at a house in Macdonald Street, Moses Gate, Farnworth, but came to be one of the all time greats of the game. Lawton was a boyhood hero of Bolton Wanderers' president Nat Lofthouse who has described Tommy as "the best centre forward England ever had".

Today Nat said: "He was absolutely fantastic. It is a tragic loss and I think all of Bolton will be very sad about the news today. He was a brilliant footballer but just as importantly he was a hell of a nice guy."

Nat added: "I remember one time when I invited Tommy to a game at Burnden. He got a superb ovation as soon as he walked in the door."

Tommy enjoyed his first signifcant football season when he scored 30 goals for his school team Castle Hill at Tonge Moor.

He later moved to Folds Road school and was a talented Bolton School Boys centre forward, but incredibly his home town team Wanderers missed out on the future star.

Tommy became a prolific England player shooting 22 goals in just 23 international games. The young Nat Lofthouse then followed in his hero's footsteps six years behind through the Castle Hill and local football ranks.

Lawton fitted the archetypal image of the "golden age" of football; strong and fearless, a giant in the air, and talented footwork.

News of his death has saddened his contemporaries. Sir Stanley Matthews said: "It's very sad, he was a wonderful person who never lost his temper and I was very fortunate to have played with him." A debut goal for Burnley against Doncaster, and a hat-trick - the first within 30 seconds - on his professional debut against Spurs as a 17-year-old marked him out and when Everton, seeking a long-term replacement for the legendary Dixie Dean, clapped eyes on him, one look was enough.

In 1947, he stunned the game by moving from the first division to division three south, a British record £20,000 signing to lead the line at Notts County for five years.

Fans who watched him there recall his "athletic walk, let alone run", his upright, almost regal bearing, the reverential feelings he brought out from even rival supporters.

After that, in 1952, came Brentford, taking over for a short spell as player-manager before a final move to Highbury for a top flight swan song.

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