TRIBUTES have been paid to a Bolton sporting legend, who has died.

Tommy Hughes was well-known in local sporting circles, especially those at the Eagley Sports Complex.

Club officials have described Tommy as a ‘legend’ after passing away peacefully at home on September 30.

The 90-year-old had played football, cricket and tennis for Eagley from being 14 years old and the club even held a Tommy Hughes Day in June this year to celebrate his birthday.

Eagley Club football club chairman Colin Whaley said: “He was a great man and a true legend in the real sense of the word.

“He was one of the only people that I know who played football, cricket and tennis for the club.

“Only until recently he used to come down to the club every single day after getting the bus up Blackburn Road.

“He came to the café and walked around the ground. He would come down on a Saturday to watch the cricket, tennis or football.

“He was instrumental in building the football changing rooms with one of his friends.

“He would always say ‘I have my boots if you need me on a Saturday.”

The ex-foreman at Seddons was the dearly loved husband of the late Jean, loving dad to Richmond, Karen and Howard. Devoted grandad and great grandad to Thomas, Charles, Rebecca, Cody, Emily , Lexi, Tommy, Isla and Alexander.

He was also the loving father-in-law to Diane, Jennifer and Sue, a much-loved brother, uncle and friend to many.

Daughter Karen said: “He was very family orientated and also sports-mad. He was real gentleman and was all about the kids and grandkids.

“He was well-respected and loved to have a chat with people.”

Steve Dickinson from Bradshaw CC said: “Tommy was a great local legend. Footballer, cricketer, family man, club and just a good person. I remember Tommy fielding at ‘silly mid-on’ growling at me in one of my first second team games, but also walking around Bradshaw watching the game just talking about cricket in general. His death is a big loss to the sporting community in the area.”

On social media, Mike Pollitt said: “Terrible news. Great fella, who I knew all my life, will be sadly missed RIP Tommy.”

Andy Hart said: “GUTTED. Tommy was a proper local legend and an absolute gentleman. I remember playing my first ever senior cricket game at 13 for Eagley and Tommy played in that game and looked after me. He will be sadly missed.”

The funeral service will be taking place on October 20, at 1pm at Overdale West Chapel followed by a celebration of Tommy’s life at The Nest, Eagley Sports Complex in Dunscar.