Bermuda’s football community is mourning the death of one of its most talented, influential and charismatic players, coaches and ambassadors.

Danvers Seymour, who enjoyed considerable success as a player and coach at various clubs, passed away last week at the age of 75.

A central defender or midfielder by trade, Seymour honed his skills at PHC, where he enjoyed early success after winning the inaugural Crystal Palace tournament with the club’s under-16 team in 1966.

He also represented PHC at senior level and helped to guide them to their only Triple Crown (Premier Division, Friendship Trophy and FA Cup) victory during the 1970-71 season.

“Danny was an excellent player who had all the skills in the world,” former PHC team-mate Cecil Robinson told The Royal Gazette.

“He had a lot of foresight and was always two steps ahead play-wise. His passing was also first class. “He was more of a mouth player. He could move the whole team with his mouth by directing from behind. He was good at that.”

Seymour also had playing stints with Dandy Town and Vasco da Gama, winning the FA Cup both as a player and coach as well as the Dudley Eve Trophy with the latter club.

He also enjoyed success at international level, winning a bronze medal with the national team at the 1978 Central American and Caribbean Games in Colombia.

“I followed him as captain of the national team,” said Seymour’s former Bermuda and Vasco team-mate Richard Calderon.

“He made the transition easy and I very much appreciated that.

“I played with him on the bronze-medal team in Medellin, Colombia and also won a few trophies with him at Vasco.

“Danny was passionate, highly motivated and a motivator. He was a fierce competitor and someone you would rather play with versus against. He was one of the true personalities in the game and like him or like him less, you couldn’t ignore Seymour.

“He was a serial winner and he will be missed. My condolences to his family and friends. May his memory be a blessing.”

Former Vasco team-mates Clevie Wade and Mel Bean also spoke highly of their late colleague.

“Danny was a very technical, smart coach and a good player,” Wade said.

“He wasn’t the quickest but read the game very well to stay ahead of his opponent.”

Bean added: “Danvers is one of the greatest players I ever set on the football field with and if I ever had to pick an all-time Bermuda XI he would have to be there.

“Danvers taught me so much and made the game so easy because he was your eyes and ears. He talked the game a lot and was also one of the most humble and diehard players I ever played with.”

Also among the many players Seymour mentored was his brother-in-law, former Somerset Trojans and Bermuda captain Dennis Brown.

“Danny Seymour was far more than a brother-in-law to me, he was my mentor, my teacher and one of the most important influences in my life from the age of 8 years old,” he said.

“He was also my gym teacher at Warwick Secondary School and he dedicated his life to developing young people through sports, discipline and character.

“At the national level, he served as my academy coach early on and was the person who named me captain of the under-16 national squad, which was an honour that shaped my confidence, leadership and belief in myself.

“The No 4 jersey I wore throughout my career was because of him; a symbol of the values he instilled in me of responsibility, commitment and dedication.

“He taught me not only how to play and read the game, but also how to understand it, to respect it and to eventually coach it and give back. Much of who I am today as a player, coach and leader comes directly from his guidance and example.

“Growing up, he was my inspiration. His impact extended far beyond the field and the classroom, and his legacy lives in many athletes and students whose lives he touched. He will always be remembered, not just for what he did, but for who he was.”

Seymour also had coaching stints at Dandy Town and North Village, who held a moment of silence in his honour prior to their FA Cup first round clash at Bernard Park last Friday.

“On behalf of the North Village Community Club we extend our most sincere condolences to the family of the legendary player and coach Danvers Seymour,” said former North Village president Shervin Dill.

“Danny, as we called him, coached North Village in the early 1980s for a couple of years during a very difficult period when we were relegation threatened.

“He helped rebuild and restore the club’s resilience and respect as top contenders in the Premier Division.”

Former Dandy Town winger Walter Musson is also among those to have played alongside and under Seymour.

“He was my gym teacher at Warwick Secondary School so I knew him for a long time, and when he came to Dandy Town it just fell into place,” he said.

“It was beautiful having him at Dandy Town. He was a very talented coach and a nice player and personality.

“I remember he set up a goal for me against PHC when we drew 2-2 in the first league game of the season. He was playing down the back and I scored the first goal of the game.”