Tributes are being paid to a former footballer who made a lasting impression at Stockport County - despite only playing half a season with them.
Ernie Moss, who signed for the Edgeley Park club in December 1986, has died aged 71 following a battle with dementia.
It was at hometown club Chesterfield where Ernie is most fondly remembered, scoring a club record 192 goals across three spells from 1967 to 1986.
But Ernie made a huge impact on County's fortunes when joining the club in 1986-87, as his six goals proved pivotal in the fight against relegation to the Conference.
The team had been bottom of the Football League when Ernie signed aged 38, but with four of his goals being decisive winners, the club rose up the table to a 19th-place finish.
That achievement proved a vital building block for County, as the club were able to gain promotion to Division 3 just four seasons later.
After a spell at Scarborough, Ernie ended his professional football career on loan at Rochdale in 1988, before playing and managing at non-league level.
A spokesperson for Stockport County said: "Everyone at Edgeley Park is saddened to hear of the passing of our former centre forward Ernie Moss.
"He spent only half a season at Edgeley Park, but the impact he had is one we should all be extremely grateful for and is fondly remembered by County fans who witnessed his contribution.
"In recent times he had fought a long and brave fight with dementia, surrounded by his close family who have provided amazing support.
"Remembered as one of the best lower division centre forwards, he was also known as one of the nice guys in football.
"Fondly remembered wherever he played, and we celebrate him for the short but significant role he played in one of our most important seasons.
"We send our deepest condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time."
Get the latest news to your email inbox by subscribing to our MyStockport newsletter here.
