SAMMY Conn, the former captain and manager of Cowdenbeath FC, died at the age of only 52.

Social media tributes and memories from former colleagues and fans exemplified what a popular player and manager he was and a minute's silence was held before the club's match with Alloa on Saturday.

Sammy had 65 appearances and notched up seven goals for the Blue Brazil between 1994 and 1997.

He also played for Falkirk, Albion Rovers, Clydebank and Airdrie, and he joined Cowden in the mid 1990s at a time when the club was following the youth development path under chairman Gordon McDougall.

Sammy was hired by Cowdenbeath as an old head to stabilise a youthful team. He quickly became an effective and popular player, and received a sportsman’s dinner tribute after only a couple of years with Cowdenbeath.

Famed for taking free- kicks, he memorably scored both goals during a 2-0 Cowdenbeath victory over Ross County and helped develop the talent which included former Blues’ striker Mark Yardley.

He won the player of the year award in 1995/96. A statement from Cowdenbeath Football Club said he will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

He had been afflicted with motor neurone disease for a number of years before his death.