Sir Alex Ferguson leads tributes at funeral of Tottenham legend Dave Mackay

The funeral of the Scottish midfielder took place in Edinburgh today and was attended by his former teammates and other famous football faces - including Sir Alex, Denis Law, Frank McLintock, Ian St John, Alan Mullery and Bertie Auld.

The procession embarked from Tynecastle Stadium, the home of Mackay's former team Hearts, and led mourners across the Scottish capital for a remembrance service in Mansfield Traquair.

Streets surrounding the stadium were seen lined by hundreds of football fans, who applauded the cortege as it drove past - with some also throwing scarves and flowers on top of the funeral car.

Flowers adorned the coffin as it travelled to the memorial service and then to a private family service at a crematorium in the capital.

One set was shaped like a large football with the maroon and white colours of Hearts.

Another wreath was in the shape of the Hearts crest while a large bouquet had a note from players and staff at Tottenham Hotspur.

Sir Alex today paid tribute to the "fantastic player" - adding that he was also a "humble person".

He said: "They talk about this great courage he had and I think that is unfair. I know he was the bravest man in the world but he was a fantastic footballer, he was skilful.

"His personality, his intensity, his desire to win could make any team. And he proved that by going to Derby County and winning the league as a centre-back. He could play anywhere."

The retired Manchester United manager also recalled the only time he played against Mackay.

"I was playing for Queens Park reserves against Hearts reserves at Tynecastle and the great Mackay was playing because he was coming back from a broken toe," said Sir Alex.

"He tackled me and I thought 'Christ', but in those days you had to get up no matter what.

"So I got up, had a look at that big barrel chest of his and he just said 'are you alright, son?'.

"That was a great memory, the only time I played against Dave Mackay and I'll never forget it."

The service was led by Hearts chaplain Andy Prime, while former Hearts striker John Robertson gave a reading at the memorial.

Tommy Mackay read a tribute to his grandfather, on behalf of his mother Val, Mackay's eldest daughter.

The tribute read: "Dad would do anything for anyone, he was so generous and had an extraordinary caring nature. But woe betide any bullies he came across.

"We will miss your smile, your thumbs-up and your kindness.

"We are so proud of you and what you did, you were an absolute genius, and most comforting of all we were able to tell you this a few weeks ago."

A book of remembrance was opened by Tottenham at White Hart Lane today for fans to leave messages of condolences.

Mackay died aged 80 in hospital earlier this month, after suffering a "long battle with illness".

The Edinburgh-born legend had a glittering career and was described by Spurs as one of their greatest ever players.

He was considered a key member of their double-winning team of 1961 and won 22 caps for Scotland.

Throughout his sporting career, Mackey rose to the position of captain for Hearts, Tottenham and Scotland, as well as stints managing Swindon Town, Walsall, Doncaster Rovers and Birmingham City.

He retired from football altogether in 1997.