Bolton's footballing community has paid tribute to 'a great character' who has died at the age of 47.

Scott Longworth was a well-known amateur footballer who played for a number of clubs in the borough.

The news has shocked and saddened the amateur footballing community around Bolton.

Scott played for multiple clubs with distinction as a goalkeeper, including Eagley FC, Turton FC, Old Boltonians AFC and Castle Hill FC.

Scott reached the final of the historic Bolton Hospital Cup with Old Boltonians in 2011, a game that they went on to lose 2-0 to Atherton LR.

Nick Holt, club secretary at Old Boltonians, said: “Scott joined Old Bolts from local club Castle Hill in 2011 and enjoyed a successful season with us finishing in the top four of the Lancashire Amateur League and playing in the Hospital Cup final versus Atherton LR at the Reebok.

“Scott was a popular member of the team and will be fondly remembered by amateur football throughout Bolton.”

Scott also left his mark on the competition in 2014 when he saved one normal time penalty and a further two in a shootout as his Castle Hill side squeezed past Bolton County following a 0-0 draw.

Pete Gray, chairman at Turton FC, was in the same year as Scott at Turton School.

He said: “He played for a number of clubs. All these clubs are rivals, which says a lot about him. All those clubs are now sharing in the grief.

“It’s such a young age. I was shocked to hear the news. I didn’t even know he was ill.

“I spoke to a few people who knew him better than me and they were all equally shocked.

“He was a great character. A very likeable guy. Everyone who met him can remember a story about him.”

A spokesperson for Eagely FC, who announced Scott’s untimely death on social media over the weekend, said: “It’s with deep sadness we learn of the passing today of ex-player Scott Longworth aged 47.”

Scott was described as a “great character, and a goalkeeper to be relied on who still loved to help us out whenever he could” by the spokesperson.

One mourner described Scott as “a good lad”, while another said that he has some “great laughs with Scott”.

Eagley’s spokesperson added: “Scott will be sadly missed, and our sincere condolences to his family.”

Paul Finch played with Scott "for many years" at both Old Boltonians FC and Turton FC.

He said: "We got promotion from league two in the West Lancashire League, all the way to the Premier League with the help of Scott.

"God bless." 

 

If you knew and would like to pay tribute to Scott, please email me at lewis.finney@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @lewisfinney18