BLACKBURN footballing legend Ronnie Clayton today expressed his sadness after an old friend passed away soon after watching Saturday's Rovers match.

Joe Eccles, 78, collapsed while leaving Ewood Park after the 1-0 home defeat by Tottenham. Help was immediately on hand but the life-long fan died.

Today it emerged that Mr Eccles, of Fort Avenue, Ribchester, was an old friend of former Rovers and England player Ronnie Clayton.

Preston-born Ronnie, 70, joined Blackburn Rovers in 1949 and made his debut for England in 1955. After more than 20 years with Rovers he became player-manager of Morecambe.

Today Mr Clayton said: "I am very sorry to hear about Joe. He was a lovely man and I am so sorry to hear he is gone."

Police today confirmed Mr Eccles had passed away unexpectedly, and said the coroner had been informed of the incident.

His family and friends today paid tribute to the man they say lived his life for the game. Daughter Desley, said: "It was football, football and more football for him. Everything was football -- reading about it, watching it, he knew everyone who had ever scored on what day and year, and at what time."

In his youth, Joe worked at Walkersteel, Guide, and repaired HGVs in a factory at Eanam.

He was born in Blackburn, joined the army and moved to Ribchester when he married, Celia, who is also in her 70s. They have lived in the village for about 50 years.

The couple have three children, Desley, 41, of Fleetwood, Jane, from Penwortham, and Sharon, from Grimsargh, who are both in their 50s.

Friend Des Bennett, of Ribchester, said: "He will be sadly missed. It isn't just Joe that's died it's a part of Ribchester."