A FORMER footballer, who grew up on the Island and achieved success with Bournemouth FC and Southampton FC, has died.

Wayne Talkes was 68 and had been ill for some time.

After moving to the Island with his parents at a young age, he attended the Fairway School in Sandown and captained the Island boys' team as well as playing for Bembridge Youth Club.

His classmates could see he was destined for greater things.

In 1967, he signed as an apprentice with Southampton Football Club. He went on as a substitute in a Combination Cup game against Arsenal, becoming, at 15 years and 180 days, the youngest-ever post-war debutant for the Reserves.

He made his first team debut, under Lawrie McMenemy in 1972.

At that time, Robert Wakerley shared digs with him while they were both at the football club.

He said Wayne was 'always good company with a wicked sense of humour', and was popular among his colleagues.

After playing some senior games with the club, Wayne moved on to Bournemouth Football Club, but a serious ankle injury brought to an end his promising professional career.

He played on in non-league football, Sunday football and went into football management in the non-league sector.

For the rest of his life, Wayne lived in the Southampton area, taking up various employment opportunities, but mainly worked in sales.

He leaves his wife Linda and two children, Ruth and Ollie.