Death of grandfather who turned down chance to sign for Leeds United as a teenager

Malcolm Guest is pictured (front row far left) with the Yorkshire Colts football team.

Malcolm Guest, who was born in Bramley, was a talented footballer and played for Leeds Colts and Yorkshire Amateurs in the 1950s and early 1960s.

Mr Guest was offered the chance to turn professional and sign for Leeds United when he was in his late teens in the mid 1950s.

but he turned down the opportunity because he had been offered an apprenticeship with Leeds printing firm Petty and Sons.

Malcolm Guest pictured (centre wearing black rousers) pictured at Leeds printing firm Petty and Sons.

His daughter-in-law Janet Guest, said: "He couldn't do both and football wasn't like it is now.

"It wasn't a very good salary and he decided to take the apprenticeship because he was going to get married."

Mr Guest, of Calverley, died from heart failure at Aspen Village Care Home in Hunslet on April 13.

He suffered from kidney problems and had been transferred to the care home from St James's Hospital.

Malcolm Guest pictured with wife Sylvia and their grandchildren

His family had not seen him for almost a month due to coronavirus restrictions and his family are unable to attend his funeral.

Mr Guest was married to wife Sylvia for 62-years and they had three sons - Andrew, 61, Philip, 59 and Stephen, 57.

Janet Guest said: "All three boys shared Malcolm's love of football and played for local teams including Farsley Celtic and Thackley AFC.

"Malcolm continued to work at Pettys and was promoted over the years to press room manager.

"Pettys at that time was a major force in UK printing looking after Radio and TV Times, Reader's Digest and many other publications.

"Malcolm was a very popular manager and highly regarded by his co-workers, many of whom have sent their good wishes on hearing of his passing.

"In later years Malcolm developed a passion for gardening and won bronze, silver and finally the much coveted gold for the best garden in competitions run by Leeds City Council.

"He was always ready to pass on his advice about football and had some great heated arguments about the suitability of referees, in particular when watching Leeds United and England.

"Malcolm had seven grandchildren and was a much-loved grandfather. His eldest grandchild, Lauren, started a FacebookGiving page for donations to the British Legion, which was very close to Malcolms heart, and overnight raised more than £450 for this worthy cause.

"Malcolm will be missed very much by his dear wife Sylvia, his sons, and his grandchildren."