PETER Horne, who died in the early hours of Sunday, was thinking about football right to the end.

City’s former head of youth development passed away aged 52 from kidney failure caused by an infection.

Horne was football mad and his daughter Hayley revealed that he was still following the sport in his final moments.

She said: “He watched the Chelsea and Leicester game on TV and was still placing his football bets. He had a bet on Halifax to beat Harrogate Town in the FA Cup, which they did.

“But football was his passion. People from all walks of life got to know him through the game and that’s why he was so popular.

“We knew it was coming for the last week and it gave people the chance to visit him and say their goodbyes. But nothing prepares you for when it actually happens.”

Stuart McCall was one of those who had the chance to see him in hospital last Tuesday – the pair went back a long way.

The City boss said: “Pete was just a good bloke to be around and a genuine football man.

“It’s really sad for the family and my heart goes out to them. I got on well with him.

“He coached my lad coming up through the ranks and I know Craig enjoyed his time with him.

“We were similar ages and we talked about how we played against each other, when I was at Leeds boys and Pete was with Bradford.

“He also reminded me how he recommended Jamie Vardy when he went to see him at Halifax. Unfortunately we didn’t have the £50,000 to stump up at the time.”

Horne spent 16 years connected to City, rising through the club’s coaching ranks to become head of youth development. He left the role in the summer of 2014.

Horne leaves wife Karen, children Louis – former City player - and Hayley and three-year-old granddaughter Connie Lou. Funeral details will be announced shortly.