ALEX ALLARDYCE, the former head coach of Belgrave ABC, died just before Christmas after a spell of ill health.
The father of seven was 67 years old.
Allardyce was at the Leicester club during a successful spell. Sheldon Purdy, now a professional, won ABA Novice honours with Allardyce in his corner, but he will probably be best remembered for his success with Tommy Ward. In 2005-2006, Ward was an unstoppable heavyweight, storming into the Junior ABA Championship and adding the Three Nations gold by flattening the Welsh champion in just 10 seconds. He afterwards gave Allardyce his gold medal.