TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Horley Town footballer who died suddenly on Friday.
Garry Dean, who is believed to have been in his early twenties, grew up in Bewbush, Crawley, and had a young daughter.
He played for Horley Town FC's reserve side before moving to Oakwood Football Club three seasons ago.
His team held a two-minute silence in his memory before their match against Seaford Town on Saturday.
Oakwood won 8-1 and dedicated the emphatic victory at their Tinsley Lane ground to Mr Dean and his family.
Mark Gilbert, a former Horley Town manager who is now in charge of Oakwood, said the whole club was deeply upset to hear the news just before the game at the weekend.
Mr Gilbert said: "I first knew Garry when I managed Horley Town FC and he was a player for me. When I moved to Oakwood four years ago Garry came with me.
"He was a striker who could also play wide right because of his pace. Over the years he played a few games for us but this season he took part in the whole pre-season and trained hard.
"He was doing well. He played in our match against Crawley Town and played a role in the first couple of league matches.
"Sadly he got injured turning his ankle and was ruled out with a long-term injury."
Mr Gilbert added that Mr Dean had been very popular with his teammates. He said: "He was jovial and was always happy to have a laugh. He was a lovely lad and everyone at the club was saddened when we heard the upsetting news that Garry had passed away.
"It hit us hard and I considered cancelling the match on Saturday but I knew Garry wouldn't have wanted that.
"Before the match I spoke to the squad and told them to go out there and win for Garry.
"The team put in a great performance in his memory. They all did him proud and it was our biggest win of the season."
Mr Gilbert said that the club is hoping to work with Mr Dean's family to hold a memorial match or event at the club in his honour.
It is not known at this stage what caused Mr Dean's death.
