Scottish football legend Eddie Morrison has died suddenly as he returned home from Turkey.

It is understood the former Kilmarnock manager became ill during a flight from holiday destination Bodrum to Glasgow, yesterday. He was 63.

It was not immediately clear if he died on the flight, which had to make an emergency diversion to Bulgaria, or later.

Eddie, who used to be on the coaching staff at Greenock Morton, lived in the town. In February 2007, he underwent a triple by-pass operation. The cause of death is not yet known.

Eddie was one of Kilmarnock's celebrated forward line during the late 1960s and early 1970s, and played for the team in the European Fairs Cup.

The football favourite, who began his career playing for Port Glasgow, signed for Kilmarnock in 1967, staying with the club until 1975. He made 324 appearances and scored 149 goals for the side.

Eddie went on to manage Kilmarnock for four years between 1984 and 1988, saving the team from relegation in his first season in charge.

He also played for Morton, from 1975 to 1977.

Today, fans from both clubs paid tribute to the striker, who many called a "Killie and Morton legend."

Both Morton and Kilmarnock supporters left messages on internet forums after news of his death broke this morning. One fan wrote: "Eddie was my first and greatest Killie hero – a true legend for Killie fans of that era.

"Eddie always gave 100% for the team and I will always remember his goal in the cup tie against Raith Rovers, which I think was the best goal I have ever seen by a Killie team.

"My sincere thoughts go to his family and all who knew him."

Another wrote: "He was a true Morton Great – and will be sadly missed.

"A good man to Morton and Killie has left us all, way too early. R.I.P Eddie and thanks for the memories."

The father and grandfather is survived by his wife, Christine.