Legendary Highland League player Charlie Kennedy, who was a prolific goal scorer and fans’ favourite in the 1960s and 70s, has died aged 72.
Mr Kennedy was one of the stars of the Clachnacuddin FC team that won both the league and Qualifying Cup in 1974-75 and he also played for Nairn County and Elgin City.
At the heart of his success, said former teammates, were a determination never to end up on the losing side, a robust and wholehearted playing style and a dedication to teamwork.
He hailed from Foyers and was also an accomplished shinty player, turning out for Boleskine Shinty Club while also playing football for Dores United during the summer months.
After a brief spell with Elgin, he joined Nairn County aged 22 and finished the club’s top scorer during the 1969-70 season.
In all, Mr Kennedy scored 50 goals in 72 appearances for Nairn. The feat was even more remarkable as he sometimes played in defence and, on occasion, deputised in goal.
But he is best remembered for his time with Clach. In the 1973-74 season he scored 63 goals, close to a Highland League record.
The following year, he starred in the title-winning side, his formidable striking partnership with Ray Mackintosh a major reason for the club’s success.
The duo are remembered by many north football fans as one of the finest the Highland League has ever seen.
Robbie Giles, the Clach team captain at the time, said: “I am really sorry to hear about Charlie’s sad passing.
“He was a truly terrific player for Clach and a great man to have in your team.
“His partnership with Ray Mackintosh was phenomenal and their goals that season helped us win the league and Qualifying Cup.
“Charlie had a great will to win. He played every game determined to win, but we also shared many a laugh during our playing days together.”
Another former team mate, Peter Corbett, said: “Charlie was a fantastic player who was sometimes unstoppable. He would run through a brick wall for the team.”
Mr Kennedy later managed Clach for three seasons, including the club’s centenary season in 1986.
Bill Corbett, a club committee member during Mr Kennedy’s time there, said: “He was one of my favourite ever Lilywhites players and a great friend over many years.
“I don’t think we’ll ever see a player in the mould of the great Charlie Kennedy again.
“He had great heading ability, as well as strength and courage. It was seldom you saw a Kennedy header float into the net.
“They usually went in like bullets.”
Mr Kennedy, who was in his 70s and had been in poor health for many years, was latterly manager at Carrbridge Sawmill.
He and his wife Ann have a son Graeme and daughter Cheryl.