A FORMER professional footballer and swimming coach has died.

Kenneth Hawden died peacefully at home in Derby on June 13. He was 76.

Mr Hawden was born in Crosland Moor, Huddersfield, on September 16, 1931.

He was educated at Crosland Moor Voluntary School before embarking on his sporting career.

Ken played for Lockwood YMCA and Ashenhurst, Newsome, where his impressive scoring record attracted interest from Derby County.

The Rams signed Mr Hawden for the 1952-3 season.

In February 1954 Ken made his League debut against Oldham Athletic.

He made two Second Division appearances and scored several goals for the club as a centre forward over two seasons.

Ken signed to non-league Matlock Town in 1954 before joining Queen’s Leisure Centre, Derby, as duty manager, aged 36.

He continued to teach swimming until he retired at 73.

Sister Gladys Gill, 78, of Crosland Moor, said: “We were very close. He was a very nice person and he kept a lot of friends over the years.”

Mr Hawden leaves a widow, Margaret, to whom he was married for 50 years, three daughters, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

A funeral was held at Markeaton Crematorium, Derby on June 24.