THE family of former Bolton Wanderers footballer Jlloyd Samuel have spoken of their "devastation" at his death in a car crash.

Relatives paid tribute to the father-of-four as "a loving son, father, husband and brother".

The 37-year-old former Bolton and Aston Villa defender died after a collision involving his Range Rover and a van at High Legh near Warrington, Cheshire, on Tuesday.

It was reported he had been dropping his children off at school when the accident happened.

In a statement released through Cheshire Police, his family said: "Jlloyd was a loving son, father, husband and brother.

"He was also a respected ex-footballer and businessman who played for a number of clubs.

"He was extremely popular and well-loved by all who were fortunate to know him.

"Jlloyd leaves behind a family including a wife and four children who are devastated by their sudden loss.

"The family at this time respectfully request to be left alone so they can have time to grieve and mourn his passing."

Mr Samuels signed for Wanderers in 2007 when they were a Premier League club and played 71 times for them before leaving in 2011.

Tributes poured in from other players and colleagues after news of his death broke, including Manchester United's Ashley Young, who said he was "absolutely gutted".

The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association and Samuel's former club sides were also among those paying their respects, with Villa players donning black armbands during their Championship play-off fixture against Middlesbrough on Tuesday night.

More recently, he was player-manager at non-league side Egerton FC, which called Samuel an "inspiration".

The 54-year-old male driver of the van remains in hospital in a serious condition.