TRIBUTES have been paid to a much-loved local grassroots football hero, who has died.

Oxford Grove FC posted on their social media about their 'great sadness' about the death of Steve Hutton.

It said: "Ste was a familiar face at the club for well over a decade and will be sadly missed by us all. Our deepest condolences to his wife, Margaret and family at this very sad time."

Club treasurer Gaz Brook said: "Ste was just a lovely bloke we got to know him as a resident on Hatfield Road where we play.

"He came down a few times and had a chat with Mick Bennett and Mick said could we get him involved in the club.

"He was just a local resident who would look after the club if there was any break-ins or issues.

"He had the nickname 'Ste the Key' as he was our 'unofficial caretaker' and had the keys to open up the clubhouse and the containers to get things ready for the coaches and the players.

"He did it for 10 years and was ever-present and a lot of players and parents in Oxford Grove will know him as they will have talked to him.

"Everyone at the club is shocked by his death.

Club officials say he was in his 60s and was a 'quiet man' but 'when you got to know him he would chat to anyone'.

Gaz added: "Ste built up lots of friendships as we have up to 300+ kids and players.

"He took an interest in each of the kids and teams and how they were doing.

"He loved to mingle and have a chat with all of the coaches too."

Steve's efforts for more than a decade helped the club run smoothly.

Gaz said: "Ste never thought twice of helping the coaches out.

"We gave him the Volunteer of the Year award in 2016 and he was made up and did not expected to be given it as he thought the coaches would have got it.

"He had an impact on lots of kids and junior sports.

"There were 101 other jobs to do with club and he did those to help the coaches do their job.

"Everyone respected him and he was familiar face around the club and we are holding a charity game on August 28 at Smithills at 11am.

"It will be Mick Bennett's first team who Ste got to know. The players are in their 20s now and they wanted to raise money for him. They will be playing a team of former Oxford Grove players and coaches.

"We will be holding a collection around the pitch and everyone can attend to raise as much money for his wife."