‘HE was a selfless and giving man who would do anything for anyone.’

That is just one of the tributes paid to passionate Bolton Wanderers fan Al Mather.

The 62-year-old, of Manchester Road, Bolton died after a seizure over the weekend while making tea in his kitchen.

Steve Hague, president of the Bolton Wanderers Remembrance Group, said: “He was a mountain of a man and he had a heart of gold.

“When Alan Parkin passed away, Al said that we all got together for funerals but he wanted to create a remembrance group and got all the former players involved too.

“He would arrange fundraisers and collections for people and we will keep it going as his legacy.”

His family have also left tributes.

Daughters Joanne and Michelle said: “We are going to miss you dad and we will always love you.”

A message was left from his six grandchildren too. They said: “We are going to miss you gang-gang, you will always be in our hearts and will live through us.”

Joanne added: “I will remember him being a gentle giant and wearing his heart on his sleeve and helping through his charity Bolton Wanderers Remembrance Group which kept him going.

“He was family orientated for his daughters and grandkids.

“The support we have received since dad passed away has been overwhelming with thousands of messages and the group have helped the family with bereavement.”

Karl Grundy from the Vulcan Inn recalls how he feels like he has lost ‘a brother’.

He said: “When you look at Al you may feel a bit intimidated being a big man, but he had a big heart.

“We have been friends since the 1980s and he was great at getting people down the pub after lockdown and staged events here.

“He will be sorely missed. We used to travel around Europe watching Wanderers.”

Tributes were also left on The Bolton News website.

The Twigster said: “R.I.P Big Bro, very proud to have worked alongside you in our Remembrance Group and more so, very proud to have you as a mate.You’ve definitely left a massive hole in our lives.

“You’ve worked hard and succeeded in bringing the BWFC family together. Sleep tight Big Bro, you’ll be forever in our hearts.”

Martin Sheehy said: “Only knew him for a short time but we became good friends and I’m proud to have known him. Larger than life character that loved meeting and helping others. Missed by all but sure to still be guiding us from up above. RIP a Bolton legend.”

A funeral will take place at Overdale Crematorium on April 8 at 3.15pm.