TRIBUTES have been paid to a junior football club stalwart who died after a short illness.

Andrew Brownhill, 61, contracted septicaemia after an operation on his abdomen at Royal Blackburn Hospital.

He served on the committee at Rossendale United Junior Football Club for more than a decade, where roles included manager and treasurer.

Mr Brownhill, of Reeds Close, Crawshawbooth, was described as ‘a great servant to the club’ by its chairman Derek Boyden. Originally from Ashton-under-Lyne, Mr Brownhill, a chartered accountant, worked as finance manager for the Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority until he was taken ill last month.

His son Martin, 28, who coaches the club’s under-10 team, said his father was never one to hog the limelight. He said: “He got involved with the club through me when I played there as a kid.

“His experience as an accountant came in handy and he never missed a match. He was very likable and popular with everyone.

“He didn’t have any existing health problems so this has come as a real shock to us.”

Mr Boyden said: “He was a great servant to the club and he’ll be missed by his many friends in Rossendale.”

Mr Brownhill was admitted to hospital with stomach pains and jaundice on July 13. He died on July 25. As well as Martin, Mr Brownhill is survived by his wife Gerda, 61, daughter Susan, 24, and his sister Patricia.

His funeral will take place at Burnley Crematorium on August 5 and the family has requested donations be sent to Rossendale Hospice.

An inquest into his death was opened at Blackburn Coroner’s Court yesterday and adjourned until September 24.