A SHANKLIN man highly respected in football circles across the Island, David Christopher Malin, died on September 7 at his home, following a short illness, aged 66.

Known as Dave, he had a significant impact on Island football — coaching adult and youth teams for more than 30 years.

Latterly, until he was affected by sudden ill health, he was an assistant to his son, Justin, the manager of Island League Division side, Bembridge.

Mr Malin coached two different Shanklin youth sides and a Sandown youth team.

In adult football, he coached Shanklin's Saturday and Sunday sides, Seaview and Bembridge.

At one point, he ran three teams simultaneously — the Shanklin Reserves Saturday side, Shanklin's Sunday first team and Justin's Shanklin Youth outfit.

Over the years, Mr Malin's teams won a number of leagues and cups in Island football.

He also organised numerous charity football matches, for various charities, mainly with his Lake Morrisons team.

Born in Southall, Ealing, on June 6, 1954, he grew up and was educated in Canvey Island.

On leaving school, he did his apprenticeship as a baker, left the profession to become a successful DJ in Luton, then returned to the baking trade, which he continued for the rest of his working life.

He worked at Morrisons, Lake, for a spell, and latterly at Scarrots Lane Bakery in Newport.

The son of George and Joyce Malin, he was the middle of eight children.

He met his childhood sweetheart, Shirley, when they were aged 15, and went on to be married for 39 years. They had three sons — Justin, Damian and Dexter.

There was a minute's silence before Bembridge played their first match of the season against Ventnor, at Steyne Park, with his grandchildren, Maisy, eight, and Archie, four, releasing balloons in his memory.

Other clubs he was associated with also held pre-match tributes, including an under-nines match between Shanklin and Bembridge.

Justin said: "He was an amazing man — funny, kind and loyal — who had time for everyone.

"He loved spending time with his family — and he loved his football. He was keen on all sports, but football was always his main one.

"Dad had an amazing relationship with his grandchildren, who he absolutely loved to bits."

Mr Malin leaves his wife, sons, two grandchildren, brothers Michael, Paul, Ricky and Tony, and sister, Carol Barry.

His funeral will be held at the IW Crematorium, Whippingham, today (Friday), under Covid restrictions.

The family hopes to hold a memorial service, to give people an opportunity to pay their respects, will be possible in the future.