TRIBUTES are being paid to a man who was a leading light of Hindsford FC for more than 20 years.

Dedicated amateur footballer John Walters, aged 51, died suddenly after collapsing during training.

Between 1968 and 1990 Mr Walters was a dedicated member of the Hindsford set-up.

He became a regular first teamer in the early 1970s, was elected club captain and was in the side which lifted the Atherton Charity Cup in 1981 at Laburnum Rovers' ground.

During his time as first team skipper Hindsford moved up into the Bolton Combination from the Leigh and District League.

His close friend and club treasurer John Grundy said: "He was considered to be a very good player by a series of managers. The team was always built around John. He was absolutely dedicated to the sport."

In 1990 Mr Walters joined the Hag Fold Working Men's Club side then moved to Tyldesley's Limelight FC. He died after collapsing during a training session.

Mr Walters, a central heating engineer and electrician, was married to, Marea, and was the father of Alex, Lisa, Sarah and John-Andrew.