Tributes have been paid to a footballer who brought joy to fans on both sides of the border.

Former Chester FC and Wrexham winger Ian Moir lost his battle with cancer on Thursday (March 27). He was 71.

The Chester Former Players Association led the tributes to Moir, with committee member Charlie Lambert saying: "As a fan I loved watching Ian play at Sealand Road. He was brilliant on the right wing.

"More recently I got to know him though my work with the Former Players Association and he was one of the most pleasant people I've ever met. Always bright and cheerful and easy to get along with. I am so sorry he has passed on, the room always seemed that bit warmer when Ian was there. My sincere condolences to his family."

Blues fans were quick to pay tributes to Moir on the online messageboard Deva Chat.

One wrote: "Such a humble guy. He would never even mention to anyone that he used to play if they didn't know. If you mentioned that he used to be a great player in front of him to someone he would just coyly say 'Ah I was OK, nothing special' and move the conversation back to them."

Another said: "'The nicest guy I have ever met' sums Ian up perfectly."

Another Chester fan added: "Ian was my hero when I was a teenager and I will never forget the speed and talent of the man.

"When there was talk of him moving from Chester, a group of us gathered after a game by the offices at Sealand Road and chanted 'Moir must stay'.

"I had a chat with him a couple of years ago and he was a really lovely guy and so very modest, always more interested in others."

Aberdeen-born Moir began his career with Manchester United as a 'Busby Babe. When he was injured for a game against West Brom in September 1963, a 17-year-old George Best was drafted in by manager Matt Busby for his Red Devils debut.

Moir, an exciting wide player who dazzled fans with his ability on the ball, moved to Blackpool in 1965. He joined Chester two years later and made 25 League appearances before transferring to Wrexham in 1968, helping the Dragons win promotion in 1970.

Moir then switched to Shrewsbury Town before returning for a second spell with Wrexham, then wound down his career with non-league Oswestry Town and Colwyn Bay.

Following his playing career, Moir worked at BNFL Capenhurst and settled in the Chester area. He also had a spell as manager of local side Tarvin.

He was a popular and engaging character off the field and always had time for fans. He was involved in fundraising activities for Chester FC when the club rose from the ashes of Chester City FC in 2010.