Devon football pays tribute to the hugely popular goalkeeper Derek Bellotti

Derek Bellotti, who has died at the age of 79, will be remembered as one of the best and most popular goalkeepers ever to grace the South-West football scene.

Bellotti, who was born in London’s East Ham, had already proved his quality in more than 150 appearances for Gillingham, Southend United where he won promotion in 1972, Charlton Athletic and Swansea City before he moved to South Devon and joined Torquay United in 1979.

Combining football with building up the Kingfisher Print & Design business at Dartington, Derek was cover and a valued training partner for a series of Gulls goalies, including John Turner and Vince O’Keefe, until Torquay closed their Reserve team in 1982.

Bellotti never made a first-team appearance at Plainmoor, but he was a much-respected and well-liked figure at the club before earning more plaudits in spells at Falmouth Town, Bideford, Saltash United and Newquay among others.

At Ilfracombe Town in December 1997, at the age of 50, Derek stepped in as a late replacement for his son Ross, who was a young pro for Exeter City at the time.

Ross is now chairman of Newton Abbot Spurs FC, while Derek moved to live in Eire several years ago.