SNS GroupTributes have been paid to former Scottish footballer Paul Hampshire after he died after being hit by a car on the A1 road near Dunbar on Sunday.
The 40-year-old played for Raith Rovers, Berwick Rangers and East Fife over the course of his career.
His older brother Steven played for Chelsea and Dunfermline.
A statement from his family said: “It is with a saddened heart that Paul Hampshire, our beloved husband, dad, son, brother and uncle, has lost his life in a tragic accident.
“Paul was a devoted family man who was a larger than life character, an absolute legend and was loved by all who knew him.
“Thank you to everyone who has reached out with messages of condolence and support. It has meant so much to the whole family.
“We would now like time to grieve and would ask to be given privacy in which to do so.”
A Raith Rovers statement read: “The club were saddened to learn of the passing of former player Paul Hampshire, who died after being struck by a car on Sunday.
“Paul signed for the Rovers on the same day as Laurie Ellis in July 1998 from Hutchison Vale, and went on to make 69 appearances scoring two goals.
“A native of Dunbar, he was the younger brother of Steven, a striker who played for Chelsea and the Pars.
“Paul is remembered as being blessed with a wonderful left foot, and he left the Rovers to sign for Berwick Rangers in May 2003.
“He also played for East Fife before playing out the remainder of his career in junior football.
“Our thoughts are with the Hampshire family – a full obituary will be published in due course.”
Berwick Rangers, who Hampshire joined from Raith in 2003, said in a statement: “All at Berwick Rangers Football Club were devastated to hear about the passing of ex-player Paul Hampshire over the weekend.
“Paul, who was 40, started his senior career with Raith Rovers in 1999, making more than 50 appearances in four seasons before joining Berwick Rangers in the summer of 2003.
“In two seasons at Shielfield Park, both while the club was in the Scottish Second Division, Paul racked up 65 appearances in all competitions and was a popular player among fans, who admired his skill, work rate and excellent left foot.
In the summer of 2005, Paul joined East Fife and play at Bayview for a further two seasons before a spell at Dunbar United, while he also played down in Cornwall for Newquay AFC.”
An East Fife statement said: “The club are saddened to learn of the passing of former player Paul Hampshire.
“Paul made 53 appearances during his time at Bayview, scoring 5 goals. Our thoughts go out to Paul’s family and friends at this sad time.”
Police made an appeal for anyone with information or dashcam footage of the incident, which occurred at around 1am on Sunday on the A1 road near Dunbar, to contact them.
Inspector Brenda Sinclair said: “Our thoughts are very much with Paul’s family and friends at this terrible time.
“Enquiries into the crash remain ongoing and we continue to urge anyone with information, or possible dashcam footage from the area, to call 101, quoting incident number 0269 of Sunday, March 13, 2022.”
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