Tributes have been paid to former Penrith AFC manager Geoff Byers following his death at the age of 70.
A minute’s silence was observed last Saturday before the Blues’ Northern League game against Whitley Bay in memory of a respected and knowledgeable football man who was also a stalwart at Annan Athletic and a keen player of several sports.
A former Penrith midfielder, Geoff later became assistant to manager Stuart Rome at their former Southend Road home.
They were at the helm as the club won their first silverware for two decades with a Tennants Floodlit Trophy final success in 1995.
Skipper Paul Renwick scored both goals in that 2-1 win over Atherton Collieries, and said: “Geoff was a key part of the coaching/management team at Penrith FC during our successful season in 1994-95.
“He was a great man, liked by all the players due to his football knowledge, enthusiasm and sense of humour.
“Such a sad loss. He will be missed by many.”
Penrith won the trophy again in 1997 with a 1-0 win over Newcastle Town with Geoff having taken charge by that stage. Speaking to the Herald afterwards, he hailed it “a great team performance”, adding: “I was pleased for the lads and for the people who had come to support us.”
That second success was achieved under the captaincy of Keswick-based defender Martin Kirkby, who played in both finals during the first of two spells at Penrith, and remembered Geoff fondly.
“He was a really funny guy, very knowledegable about football,” said Kirkby, now aged 51. “He taught me quite a bit even at my age then which was about 27 or 28.
“He just had a really good ‘one of the lads’ mentality but at the same time he was well respected and we took on board everything he said.
“We had a really good side at that time, a great blend of youth and experience and just gelled together nicely. There was a great attitude in the squad, which is the most important thing.”
Stuart Rome, meanwhile, described Geoff as a “great lad and a great man”. “He was a great addition to what we already had — very knowledgeable and he was a great assistant for me. We worked well together,” he said.
Geoff — who left Penrith at the end of the 1998-99 season and was succeeded by Jeff Rayson — had also played for Annan Athletic and forged a strong bond with the Galabank club, serving as coach, assistant manager, manager and board member.
Latterly he was still involved at Annan, helping to establish and organise an annual golf competition with tremendous success.
A spokesman said: “Geoff was well known and a friendly, jovial character around the club who will be sadly missed by all who knew him.”
Born and bred in Longtown, Geoff initially worked as a plumber and later became a sales representative. He also played football for Nenthead and Carlisle’s Ex-Servicemen’s club, and was a scout for Carlisle United.
His sporting passions extended to squash — he was a county player for many years — and golf. He was also captain of Penrith Golf Club in 2007 and a keen darts player, once beating the legendary Eric Bristow in an invitational match.
A funeral service was due to take place at Longtown’s Arthuret church, with those attending invited to wear red in recognition of Geoff’s support for Manchester United.
He is survived by his partner, Libby, and step-son Mark; and also nephew Stuart Henderson, of Scotby, near Carlisle; and niece Fiona Foster, of Chester.
