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Club pays tribute to Victor Hunter

COLERAINE FC is saddened to learn of the passing of our former player, coach, manager and Honorary Vice President, Victor Hunter…

A name synonymous with Coleraine FC, Victor sadly passed away this morning at the age of 84.

The goalkeeper would spend the majority of his career on the Ballycastle Road after joining from North-West neighbours Derry City in 1957.

Hunter would make an impressive 472 appearances between the sticks and helped the Bannsiders win the Irish Cup in 1965, as well as the All-Ireland Blaxnit Cup in 1969. Victor would also earn recognition for his country as represented Northern Ireland at both ‘B’ and full international level.

After his playing career came to an end, Victor would remain as a coach at The Showgrounds and was the assistant manager to Bertie Peacock before relocating to England for a short period of time. In 1978, Victor would return home to manage Coleraine and was in the dugout for three years

In more recent times, Victor was heavily involved in the club’s youth set-up and helped kick start the careers of so many players to the first-team and further afield.

Victor’s service, commitment and love for Coleraine FC was recognised in 2017 as he was he was appointed as Honorary Vice-President at the club’s 90th anniversary dinner.

Coleraine Chairman Colin McKendry recalled that Victor went ‘an extra mile’ for young players and passed on his condolences to the family circle.

“The term legend is used very loosely but Victor was an absolute legend,” he added

“As a Board, we were delighted to appoint Victor as Honorary Vice President as his association to Coleraine was unbelievable.

“He went that extra mile for young players and one of my earliest memories was the team he took to the Milk Cup final. No matter where we went, the youth really thought a lot of him.

“In recent years, we enjoyed his company going to away games and his football knowledge was second to none.

“On behalf of the club, we pass on our thoughts and condolences to Victor’s family and friends.”

Coleraine boss Oran Kearney played under Victor at Ballymoney United and labelled him as ‘a true football man’.

“Victor is an iconic football man who I started my career playing under when he managed Ballymoney United,” he said.

“He will be fondly remembered in the same breath as Bertie Peacock, Harry Gregg and other legends of the club.

“A true football man, who in more recent years, we had the pleasure of spending time with on the team bus going to away games.

“He had a fountain of knowledge and helped the careers of so many players.”