FORMER AFC Bournemouth player and keen sports enthusiast, Derek Stroud, died aged 85 following a battle with cancer.

During his time playing professionally on the football pitch, he played for Wimborne before joining Poole Town FC in 1948. Mr Stroud then joined the Cherries team at Dean Court in August 1950 under the leadership of Jack Bruton. The popular outside-right went on score the winning goal on his home debut match for Bournemouth against Northampton Town just four months later.

During his three seasons with the club, he scored 18 goals in the 78 league and three FA Cup appearances he made. The team at AFC Bournemouth said that they were saddened to hear of the loss of their former player and their thoughts were with his friends and family.

After playing for Bournemouth, Mr Stroud decided to join Grimsby Town in June 1953 under Bill Shankly and then signed with Dorchester Town in July 1955 to become part of Ken Bird's squad.

He proved to be an experienced and valued figure at Dorchester as they were Western League runners-up in 1960-61. Mr Stroud then joined Portland United in July 1963 and onto Ringwood Town a year later, where he briefly succeeded Stan Newsham as player-manager.

Mr Stroud also enjoyed playing cricket, of which he was a member of Queens Park and Broadstone Golf Clubs and loved a game of bowls with his friends.

Born on 11 February 1930, he was married for 30 years to wife, Marion, and had one son, Ian, as well as a brother, Peter, who also lives in Wimborne. He worked at Keith Spicer Ltd for 38 years, which is one of the UK's major suppliers of tea, working as the company's despatch manager until his retirement in December 1993.

Son, Ian, said that his dad made the most of every talent that he had, he was very kind to others and that people loved to be around him. His father also liked to dance and sing along to music by Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra.

Mr Stroud died peacefully at his home in Wimborne on Sunday, August 16. His family organised a service to celebrate his life, which was held at Poole Crematorium on Tuesday, August 25, with those attending invited to make a donation to Cancer Research UK instead of bringing flowers.