FORMER football coach and scout Bernard Ellison, from Bradford, has died at the age of 86.

Bernard made a big contribution to sporting life in the city and was also a keen cricketer and golfer.

He was a good amateur footballer as well as being a part-time youth coach at Bradford City, latterly working with Terry Dolan, who was manager at Valley Parade from 1986 to 1989.

He then worked full-time as an assistant coach with Dolan during the former Bantams boss' managerial spells at Rochdale (1989-91) and Hull City (1991-7).

Bernard also worked as assistant manager-coach with ex-City boss, the late George Mulhall, at Halifax Town before ending his association with professional football scouting for the Bantams and Newcastle United.

He also played charity football with various ex-players until he was in his fifties.

In cricket, Bernard played in the Bradford League in the 1950s, 1960 and 1970s as a batsman with Lidget Green, Bradford CC (playing at Park Avenue) and Bowling Old Lane, playing alongside some of Bradford’s best league cricketers of his era.

He was also a handy golfer and was a member of the former West Bowing Club for many years.

Bernard lived in Wibsey before moving to Crossley House Care Home on Thornton Road.