IAN Dawson, one of the best Forest footballers of his generation, has died following a short battle with cancer. He was just 46. Ian played for many of the Dean's top clubs, including Worrall Hill, Lydbrook Athletic, Ellwood and Viney Hill, along with Shortwood United. He was a powerhouse striker, who ventured into management at Viney and Worrall Hill. Carl Woodroffe, who played alongside Ian at Viney Hill, said: "We had a really good side at Viney in Northern Senior One in the mid-2000s and he set the tone. "He was a man's man. I look back and think of him as one of the most influential and respected players in the Forest of Dean in recent years. It was an honour to have played with him."

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