Tributes paid after death of Hesketh Bank dad-of-three

The 38-year-old died on Wednesday after a lengthy battle with blood cancer.

He leaves wife Erica and their three children, Edward, 10, Amelia, seven, and two-year-old Henry.

Tony, a defender, started with Hesketh Bank in the Under 8s before making his debut in the senior side in 1999.

He went on to make 172 appearances for the club – joining the prestigious ‘100 club’ – scoring five goals.

A minute’s silence will be held before Hesketh Bank’s match with Crooklands Casuals at 3pm to honour Tony.

Numerous West Lancashire League clubs have already paid tribute to Tony on Twitter since his death was announced yesterday.

Among them were near neighbours Tarleton Corinthians, who posted: “Tony was a Hesketh Bank stalwart, amazing footballer and one of the nicest people you would ever meet.”