The family of a local football legend have described him as a 'proper family man' in a tribute following his death last month.
Patrick Murphy, better known as Paddy, was at the helm of Blofield United Football Club's first team for 22 years - guiding them to multiple cup-winning campaigns.
But off the pitch Paddy has been described as a "proper family man" and "the best dad" by his close-knit family.
Born in Blofield on April 7, 1950, Paddy was one of six siblings and went to school at Blofield Primary School, before attending Thorpe Secondary - but the lure of football was instilled early on.
Claire Hannant, the youngest of Paddy's three children, said: "He didn't really like school that much - he'd have rather been playing football.
"He started working at British Sugar at 21 and stayed there for 30 years, where - in that time - he met my mum."
Jenny Murphy, Paddy's wife, said: "We met on Christmas Eve in 1972 at what was the Globe Pub, in Blofield, after my cousin introduced me to him.
"We met again on New Year's Eve and got married just two years later at Halvergate Chapel, near Acle."
Paddy and Jenny had three children, the oldest being Mark, then Jane and finally Claire in 1979.
After taking redundancy at British Sugar Paddy started working at Belmont Roofing, in Norwich for 10 years before finishing up as a part-time delivery driver for the Royal Mail around the Blofield area until he was 64.
Paddy was part of the local football scene since he was 14 years old, when he started playing for Brundall Minors.
He became Blofield United's first team manager in 1987 and during his 22 years in charge, he led the club to seven trophies, as well as going unbeaten throughout the 2004-05 season.
Paddy's contributions to grassroots football were also recognised in March when he was presented with an FA 50-Year Service Award by the Football Association.
When he wasn't lacing up his boots though, Paddy spent time going on family holidays around the world.
Claire said: "He loved his holidays and would travel with close family most years.
"He's been to Australia, New Zealand and the last big holiday he went on was to South Africa in 2019."
Jenny added: "One of our favourite places to go was Kalkan, in Turkey, which we went to since 2000 and soon became a second home for us.
"Off the pitch he was a totally different person - a proper family man who loved his kids.
"He was very hardworking and would have done anything for his family."
Claire added: "Me, Mark and Jane all think he was the best dad you could ever ask for, especially after his diagnosis, because he was so brave - he didn't moan he just got on with it, with dignity."
On June 9, 2021, Paddy was diagnosed with motor neuron disease which saw him eventually lose the ability to speak or swallow.
On October 29 this year, Paddy died at the N&N surrounded by all his children, his wife and siblings.
A total of 420 people attended Paddy's funeral at Blofield Church, on November 20, before a celebration of his life was held at "the only place it could be" - Blofield United Football Club.
Claire said: "Having so many people at his funeral showed just how loved he was and it was an amazing send off at the only place it could have been at.
"We are so thankful for everyone's love and support."
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