The St.George's and Somerset communities are mourning the death of ex-footballer and coach Arthur Edward Ambrose (Bubba) Tucker.

Tucker, 61, died on Monday following a bout with illness.

The late footballer's skills were groomed at now defunct St.George's Youth Club in the early 1960s before he moved over to St.George's Colts and Somerset Trojans.

During his stint at Trojans he won two triple crowns (Premier Division, FA Cup and Friendship Trophy) in the 1970s as a member of Conrad Simons' star-studded squad.

He also enjoyed a coaching stint with Somerset's Under-13 youth teams several years ago and is the father of Bermuda Hogges and Trojans defender Jabrel Tucker.

Among those mourning Tucker's passing is former St.George's Youth Team team-mate and long-time friend, Kenny (Ju Ju) Maybury.

"We have lost a good citizen. This is a great loss to the St.George's and Somerset communities," he said.

The late Tucker was a devoted member of Somerset and St.George's Cricket Clubs whom he served diligently in various capacities over the years.

"I think one of Bubba's proudest achievements in sports was coaching Somerset juniors.

"That was something he always talked about proudly," added Maybury.

Tucker played on the right wing where he made a name for himself over the years.

"That boy had skills," Maybury said.

"He enjoyed plenty of success at Somerset."

Maybury attended East End Primary and St.George's Secondary Schools with the late Tucker, who remained a die-hard St.George's supporter even after relocating to the West End over 40 years ago.

Tucker was also a close friend of ex-Trojans midfielder and coach Larry (Muscles) Hunt.

"Bubba was a very happy-go-lucky guy.

"He always smiled and we always enjoyed a good working relationship," he said.

The pair shared coaching duties with Somerset's Under-13 youth squad and also worked behind-the-scenes as co-founders and organisers of the Annual Somerset and St.George's Old Boys Football Match.

"It's unfortunate I never got the chance to see him (Tucker) when he returned from hospital abroad," added Hunt.

"Bubba was a very good guy and we always enjoyed good working relations. He will be sadly missed."