FORMER chief soccer writer and golf correspondent for The Sun newspaper Mr Frank Clough, of Bushey Heath, died on Monday at the age of 65. (Mike Ellis of The Sun writes).

Born in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, 'Cloughie', as he was known in the sporting world, began his journalistic career on the Doncaster Evening News, cycling between villages in the quest for news stories.

After a stint on the Daily Herald in Manchester, Cloughie joined the Manchester Evening News sports desk.

He was a typical Tyke. A big gruff man who was never afraid to speak his mind and the same applied when he went into print.

An ex-Marine Commando, he was admired and respected by his colleagues for his style of writing. During his career he covered five World Cups including England's 1966 triumph.

He never ducked an issue and, although prepared to be critical and outspoken, he was always fair.

That was recognised by players and managers many of whom became friends, including Bobby Charlton, Denis Law, George Best, Billy Bremner and Jack Charlton.

Malcolm Allison was another attracted by Cloughie's gregarious nature during Manchester City's golden period in the 1960's and the pair enjoyed some memorable encounters.

When The Sun was launched in November 1969, Frank was a member of the original staff based in Manchester, before he moved to Bushey Heath to become the London-based chief soccer writer.

Later in his career, he switched to his other love of golf, covering all the majors and becoming friends with, among others, Seve Ballesteros, Jack Nicholas and Tom Watson. He was a member of Porters Park Golf Club, Radlett, for almost 30 years and was an interested spectator at last week's Open at St Andrew's.

Cloughie was also a founder member of the Kings Head Golf Society based at the Kings Head pub in Little Bushey Lane.

After leaving the Sun in 1991, Frank went freelance and latterly wrote for the Sunday Telegraph, for whom he was often sent to Vicarage Road. He was also press officer for several of golf's European Tour events and Golf's World Cup.

A cricket lover, he played for Stanmore in the 1970's.

Cloughie lived life to the full and there was never a dull moment when he was around.

He never suffered fools gladly but, behind an abrasive exterior, lurked a man who was considerate and kind.

Throughout his career he was a keen supporter of the charity, Golf Fanatics, which raises money to buy wheelcahirs for disabled children.

Married to Dorothy, he leaves a son, Jonathan, and a daughter, Bethany.

The funeral will be held at St Peter's Church, Bushey Heath, at 2pm on Monday. Donations to Cancer Research or the NSPCC.