Cumnock Juniors FC is mourning the loss of club legend Billy “Bongo” Smith MBE following his death last week.

Billy played the game at senior level with Preston North End and Sheffield United and was initially involved in the set up of the Ayr United Youth Academy in the late 1970s.

He helped develop players such as Stevie Nicol who went on to win a European Cup medal with Liverpool.

Cumnock Chronicle:

Kevin Orr, club president, said: “Billy was not only a past player but was also big personality in the local community and he always had time for a blether, especially when it involved football and Cumnock Juniors.

“Billy’s son and daughter, Paul and Dana, were guests of the club on Saturday to witness a well-respected minute’s silence for their dad.

"The club’s thoughts are with Eppie and the family at this sad time.”