Coyle- The nation will miss Nat

Players past and present as well as great and good of the game will attend the legendary striker's funeral and thanksgiving service at Bolton Parish Church before a private committal.

Coyle, who now manages the club Lofthouse used to play for, said: "I was very fortunate and privileged to have met not just a footballing great but a terrific man, a very humble man.

"He will be sadly missed by everyone at the club and I suggest everyone in England. He was so patriotic about playing for his country.

"It is important that while there is a sadness we remember everything Nat Lofthouse did bring, not only to Bolton Wanderers but to football. I will always remember him with a smile on my face."

Source: PA

Source: PA