TRIBUTES have poured in after the sudden passing of a Dunfermline man who starred in Hill of Beath Hawthorn FC's greatest day.

Russell Brebner, who played more than 500 games for the club and was part of their historic Scottish Junior Cup success in 1990, passed away last weekend at the age of 60.

In a glittering career in junior football, which also included a spell with Kelty Hearts, Russell won every trophy on the Fife scene during a 13-year career at Keir's Park, 12 of which he served as captain.

After news of his death was shared by the club, a huge number of messages of condolence were posted, some of which described him as "a great team-mate and even better friend", "a gentleman" and a "brilliant guy".

Former Pars goalkeeping coach Dave Westwood, who played for Hill of Beath for 25 years and was also in their Scottish Cup winning side, said: "I was lucky enough to play with Russell from the age of 17 and even then he was a someone who always wanted to win.

"He took that sharp competitive edge into his time with the Haws and was an inspiring captain."

David Baillie, Hill of Beath chairman, commented: "Russell was an inspirational player with the Haws through his captaincy and helping new players arriving at the club.

"Russell was well respected by all of the players he played alongside and it is reflected by all of the tributes we have received on our Facebook page from the football community.

"He was also a close friend and a great help to me on any building project at Keir's Park, his terms were that there was a constant supply of cups of tea!

"Russell was also a successful businessman and we worked together on a lot of building projects, we had some great times and laughs together when we were on-site about the old days at the Haws."

Russell, who ran a building firm in Dalgety Bay, joined Hill of Beath in 1984, playing 46 games and becoming an ever present in his first season.

Silverware quickly followed and, in 1989-90, he and his Haws team-mates marched through to the Junior Cup final at Kilmarnock's Rugby Park, where they defeated Lesmahagow 1-0 to lift the game's biggest prize.

At the end of the 1996-97 season, after 13 campaigns and 549 appearances, Russell stepped back from playing and legendary Hill of Beath manager, Jock Finlayson, hailed him as "a special football player".

"As I have stated before, everybody respected Russell. There has never been a player at our club who commanded more," he said.

"We will remember the laugh , the smile, his loyalty and best of all, his friendship as a man. His memory will always be with us."

Russell's funeral took place at Dunfermline Cemetery on Monday, March 1, and he is survived by his wife, Helen, and daughters Leanne and Amy.