THE man who fired Darwen FC to consecutive league titles and a league and cup double in the 1970s has died, aged 66.

Frank O’Kane scored more than 100 goals for the Salmoners in the Lancashire Combination, helping them to the championship in 1971 and 72 and the league and cup double in 1975.

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Originally from Northern Ireland and living in Bury, Mr O’Kane leaves a wife, Christine, dad Owenie, daughters Catherine and Claire and grandchildren James, Ewan and Poppy.

He celebrated his 45th wedding anniversary three days before he died.

Mrs O’Kane, 68, said: “Frank was so funny, he made everyone laugh.

“And after 45 years together, I still do not understand the offside rule!

“Through football you get to know a lot of people and Frank will be remembered by them, not just as a manager but as a friend, too.

“He got to know all the players and loved it if he could bring a young lad up.

“He had a lot of respect for the players, and they had a lot of respect for him.”

Mr O’Kane was born in Derry but moved to Bury at 18 months old.

He began playing for St Gabriel’s school team and Bury Boys before joining local amateur team Anfield United in 1965 and later Clarence Athletic.

He was lured from Darwen to the big-spending Droylsden FC and later had successful stints at Horwich, Stalybridge Celtic, Radcliffe Borough and Rossendale United.

A lifelong Manchester United supporter, Frank also played Sunday league football for Raven FC.

He later went into management and then, at 40, took up golf playing at Lowes Park Golf Club in Bury, where he was captain in 2010.

Bob Waters was trainer when Mr O’Kane was Darwen’s top player and has fond memories. He said: “He was a very prolific goalscorer and he was a great character. As a footballer he was brilliant.

“But he was also very funny and was always having a joke.”

His funeral took place yesterday.