TRIBUTES have been paid to a non-league footballer who has played more games for Rossendale United than any other player.

Johnny Clark died at Turfecote Nursing Home, in Haslingden, at the age of 84 after a ten-year battle with dementia.

Mr Clark made 750 appearances for Rossendale between 1946 and 1965 after joining the club from Bury.

Family members paid tribute to a “gentleman” who had helped many others.

Irwin Gay, husband of Mr Clark’s niece Carol, said: “He was a genuine gentleman who was always helping others.

“He was a great man for his family and had a lot of time for everyone.

“One of his former team mates was telling us how Johnny had taken him under his wing when he joined the club and had really looked after him.”

Mr Clark was born in Liverpool in 1926 but moved to Summerseat with his family at the age of eight.

He began his working life in a mill while playing for Rossendale before going on to work for United Utilities, where he was a manager up until retiring in the 90s.

He married wife Muriel at Ramsbotton Parish Church in 1950 and the couple had lived together in the care home for the past three years.

Mr Gay said: “They wanted to stay together until the end.

“They loved going dancing together and enjoyed camping and walking holidays.”

A spokesman for Rossendale United said: “It is the nature of the modern game that Johnny’s record is highly unlikely to ever be beaten and his deserved place in Rossendale United’s history is secure.”