Former Celtic coach Frank Connor dies aged 86

Tributes have been paid to former Celtic coach and Raith Rovers manager Frank Connor, who has died at the age of 86.

Raith announced that Connor's eldest son, Tom, had been in touch to confirm his father had died after a short illness.

Connor first moved to Celtic in 1960 as a goalkeeper from Blantyre Celtic and later played for Portadown, St Mirren, Derry City, Albion Rovers and Cowdenbeath, where he was player-manager.

Connor returned to Celtic as a coach with both the reserves and first team on several occasions and was assistant manager to Jock Wallace at Motherwell and Davie Hay at Parkhead and also with Morton.

Connor also had a spell in charge of Berwick and managed Raith for four seasons from 1986 – winning promotion from the bottom tier in his first season.

He served as Joe Jordan’s assistant at Hearts before another return to Celtic as reserve coach in 1993.

A Celtic statement read: "It was in that period that Frank became Celtic’s caretaker manager between the reigns of Liam Brady and Lou Macari and was unbeaten in four games in charge, a run that included a 2-1 win at Ibrox and a UEFA Cup win over Sporting Lisbon.

"The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Celtic Park are with Frank’s family and friends at this sad time."

Connor is survived by wife Margaret, seven children, several grandchildren and a great grandson.