ONE of Keighley's most successful football managers celebrates his 70th birthday tomorrow.

Tommy 'Mr Magnet' Lyness led Magnet FC through their most successful period.

He began his period with the club as No 2 to Bob Taylor, and went on to become manager of the team as they dominated Sunday football throughout the district.

The club was rarely out of the limelight, picking silverware in almost every season for over a decade.

He was also at the helm when the famous name disappeared forever in 1993, following an exodus of players.

For 10 years before taking on the Magnet job, he ran Keighley All-Stars, soccer nomads who played every game away from home and lost only twice in that time.

Tommy was one of the founders of Keighley's Sunday Alliance league in 1962, also helping to establish Victoria Star, who became first winners of the competition. His own playing career ended when he suffered a bad knee injury.

Long-standing friends he made in the game are invited to a party in his honour next Wednesday at Victor Wardman's in Low Mill Lane, Keighley, from 8pm.