HUNDREDS of well-wishers packed the pavements to bid Alf Bilby a fond farewell this morning.

Alf - who coached thousands of budding young footballers - passed away, aged 87 last month.

And his funeral procession was vociferously applauded through the streets of Thundersley.

Among those paying his respects was former Southend United manager Steve Tilson and he feels Alf should now be honoured with a statue in his own town.

"There must have been at least 500 people on the streets and it just goes to show how much Alf did in the local area and how much everyone thought of him," said Tilson.

"He did so much for so many people and I really do think he deserves a statue in Thundersley.

"I think that would be fitting tribute for him."

Others paying their respects yesterday had knitted scarves to with Alf's name on to hold up in his honour while others wore t-shirts from their time at his soccer-schools which he ran for more than 40 years.

Dover midfielder Jai Reason, who had known Alf since the age of three, was also in attendance along with well-known former Blues defender Frankie Banks.

And Banks, another hugely respected coach in the community, could not speak highly enough of Alf.

"I had known Alf since about 1995 and he was a lovely man," said Banks.

"He organised my testimonial for me and did a wonderful job, "He ran his soccer-school for so many years, he was very friendly and very generous too."

A private family service was held for Alf at Basildon Crematorium.

And his daughter Lisa Davis was keen to thank everyone who lined the streets.

"On behalf of my sister and I, I'd like to say a massive heartfelt thank you to all the lovely people that lined the streets for our dad," said Lisa.

"I am absolutely overwhelmed by so much love and kindness. It has been a very emotional day but I cannot thank every one of you enough. Your love and kindness will stay with us forever."