TRIBUTES have been paid to a champion of grassroots football who has died.

Sunday league stalwart John Haydock lost his short battle against a brain infection on Tuesday. He was 68.

The former French teacher was also a revered scout leader, member of the Guide Conservative club, and organist at Rhyddings Methodist Church.

His widow Tess said: “He was a very gentle man but he did not suffer fools lightly.

“He was meticulous in everything he did and he expected others to be too, but at the same time he had a wicked sense of humour.”

Born in Blackburn, Mr Haydock would ride his bike from his home in Copy Nook, where his father had a butcher’s shop, to Queen Elizabeth Grammar School.

After furthering his education at Cheltenham College, Mr Haydock moved to France, where he developed a lifelong love for the country.

After moving back to East Lancashire, he started his teaching career at The Hollins Technology College in Accrington.

It was there he met fellow teacher Tess.

They married in 1983 and Mr Haydock adopted her children, David, John, Michael, and Lynne.

Mrs Haydock said: “He fit into his ‘ready-made family’ as he used to say. They all called him dad and he had taught my sons before we got together and they said he was a top bloke.

“There was no mess at all, it just all fitted.”

A keen Rovers fan, Mr Haydock managed the Guide Conservative Club’s football team, and was secretary of Blackburn Sunday League Football for over 25 years until ill health forced him to step down.

Current fixture and results secretary Bill Maynard said: “John was the focal point of the league. His knowledge was quite outstanding and he could always be relied on.

“Grassroots football has lost a great ambassador. John was well known and respected by everybody.”

Mr Haydock, who lived in Stanhill Lane, Oswaldtwistle, retired from teaching in the early 90s, before going on to work at garages in Bleasdale and Whitebirk.

He fell ill shortly after Easter and was admitted to Royal Preston Hospital, where he later died.

A funeral service will be held at Rhyddings Methodist Church from 1.30pm on Friday, followed by cremation at Pleasington.