Glenafton Athletic have led the tributes following the death of former player Billy Moffat after a long illness.

Billy, described by the club as a ‘Glenafton legend’, spent 10 seasons with the Glens and helped them win a hatful of trophies during the club’s ‘golden years’.

Billy joined the Glens in season 1957-58 as a 21-year-old from his home town club of Queen of the South and scored in his debut in a 1-1 draw in a league match at Cumnock.

A club spokesperson said: “It is no coincidence that his 10 seasons at the club would encompass the ‘Golden Years of Glenafton Athletic’.

“In 1958-59 at Connel Park they won their first league title since 1934-35 and added the Western League Cup and Vernon Trophy for good measure.

“Billy finished top scorer that season with 55 goals before he converted from inside right to right-half.

“The Irvine and District Cup was lifted the following season in the Glens’ last season at Connel Park.

“In 1960 the Glens relocated to a new home at Loch Park and adopted new colours of red and white.

“They won the Western League Section no fewer than five times and converted three of them into Western League Champions – indeed three-in-a row , the first club to do so, outwith Ardeer Recreation during the war years.

“Glens progressed to Scottish Junior Cup semi-final for the first time in the club’s history in 1961/62 and went one better the following season finishing runners-up to Irvine Meadow.

“Glens also won the Ayrshire Cup and a couple of Western League Cups during those golden years.”

In 1961/62 Billy was selected for the Scotland Junior side to play Perthshire. The following season he captained Scotland and scored in the 3-2 win over Ireland at Rugby Park, Kilmarnock, when he was acclaimed the ‘outstanding player’ of the match.

The spokesperson added: “After his playing days Billy would visit Loch Park on special occasions and was with us in the Campbell Hall in 2005 to celebrate Glenafton’s 75th anniversary.

“Our thoughts are with Billy’s wife Kathy and their son Lawrence and daughter Katrina at this sad time.”