Academy manager Sammy Morgan has paid tribute to part-time schoolboy coach Paul Cosson, who died yesterday after battling cancer. Cosson was with the Blues’ youth set-up for 11 years, in addition to his full-time job as an engineer.

Morgan said: "Paul was one of the longest serving part-time members of the academy. He first came to the attention of Ipswich Town when he was coaching Ipswich Wanderers U18s. He was recommended by Ken Goody [now the club’s assistant kit man] to join the academy schoolboy coaching team, which was then under the directorship of Bryan Klug.

"Paul was a most reliable and hardworking member of staff. He always had a warm relationship with his colleagues, young players and parents. His enthusiasm and dedication towards his work was second to none and he always had the best interests of the young players at heart.

"He continued to give distinguished service to the academy throughout his 11 years and made a considerable contribution to the development of numerous young players throughout his time at the club.

"Since his diagnosis Paul had shown tremendous courage and continued to attend regularly at the academy. It was only when the illness forced him to go into hospital did it prove impossible for him to get on to the playing field and coach his young players.

"I know he was extremely touched and grateful for the wonderful gestures of generosity which were shown by so many people through fundraising which enabled him to have further specialist treatment.

"He will indeed be sadly missed by everyone here at the academy and our thoughts are with his wife Julie and family at this very sad time."

There will be a minute's silence prior to schoolboy training at the academy this Thursday at 6pm.

Photo: Action Images

roytheboy added 18:15 - Aug 23 This is a very sad story, my thoughts are with Paul's loved ones at this terrible time for them, God bless you in Heaven young man.
0

steed added 18:15 - Aug 23 rip
0

noitan added 18:19 - Aug 23 Very sad. Thoughts are with all his family and friends.
0

bedsitfc added 19:14 - Aug 23 r.i.p
0

Millsey added 19:16 - Aug 23 Very sad news RIP Paul. Thoughts to his family
0

FennersITFC added 19:24 - Aug 23 RIP
0

ITFC4daprem added 19:37 - Aug 23 RIP
0

WREXHAM_BLUE added 20:33 - Aug 23 Terribly sad news; RIP Paul. Puts a lot of things in perspective doesn't it?
0

ericgates added 20:41 - Aug 23 god bless paul
0

kipper added 20:59 - Aug 23 Rest in peace Paul, good coach, good engineer and above all else a top bloke. You will be missed mate.
0

h32 added 21:26 - Aug 23 Always sad to hear this kind of news. Condolences to his Family at this time. R.I.P.
0

blue1 added 21:50 - Aug 23 A great coach, a lovely man and a glass half full person. It was a pleasure to know you Rest in peace
0

TractorBeezer added 23:15 - Aug 23 My sincere condolences to family and friends.Rest in peace Paul.
0

hulltractor added 00:58 - Aug 24 7-1 - Who cares now ? RIP. Hope there is a minutes silence on Saturday too.
0

GetInTheGameScowcrof added 04:17 - Aug 24 RIP Paul. A top man. Thoughts are with Dale and Lee. Hope you're ok boys.
0

SammyT added 08:04 - Aug 24 RIP. Minutes applause/silence on Saturday to honour a great guy hopefully
0

HighSeasBlue added 08:53 - Aug 24 Def a mins applause on Sat? Best wishes to all his family and friends.
0

buryblue77 added 09:30 - Aug 24 hulltractor, my thoughts exactly. From someone who's own mother passed away from cancer last year I know what that sort of lost is like, concolences to his family. RIP and thanks for all the hard work.
0

randomblue added 09:47 - Aug 24 Rest In Peace To be honest I didn't know of the guy but sounds like a fantastic role model for the kids - working hard with the kids and keeping down a FT job. Thoughts are with the family.
0

borat_the_blue added 11:35 - Aug 24 RIP Paul I will always appreciate the 'lifts' to football matches /training back in the day. I'm sure that Ipswich Warriors before wanderers were some of your happiest moments personally in football. Was proud to play for you fella. Shame that you were always an avid man u fan tho :) Thoughts go to Dale and Paul
0

shefkuqi32 added 13:21 - Aug 24 Met Paul when I was an Apprentice at BSA years ago, such a nice guy. Will be missed, very sad news. RIP Paul
0

Blogs 295 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls