FAMILY and friends bid farewell to a passionate football coach who had always brought smiles to everyone’s faces.

Steve Johnson died from lung cancer at St Raphael’s Hospice, Sutton, on Tuesday, July 24, at 60.

He was born in Wandsworth on September 20, 1957.

He met his wife Marti when they were 16. They got married and had five daughters.

Steve went to Wandsworth Boys Secondary School. In his youth he played for Fulham Football Club.

In 2001 he began his career as a football coach and manager. He managed Arundel, Burgess Hill, Crowborough, East Grinstead, Hailsham, Ringmer, and finally Red Hill.

Steve retired seven years ago and lived in Sutton. He delivered fruit and vegetables.

Family and fans tweeted their tributes on social media.

His nephew, Jack Johnson, who is an academy coach in Fulham, described his uncle as a man who had a great sense of humour.

He tweeted: “Growing up when he turned up to visit you knew you were in for a few laughs.

“Every season, I played for him with or without his touchline bans. Every time I went on the golf course with him I definitely knew I was in for a few laughs.

“Just hope he knew how much he meant to me.”

Mr Johnson added there was never a dull moment with his uncle.

He said: “He loved putting on silly voices.

“He was a little quirky. He hated words like ‘sandwich’, ‘sliced cheese’ and ‘juice’.

“He was a serious but passionate football coach. He worked hard and tried his very best to help the club win games.

“He was a strict but fair coach. I remember one game, I got the ball for the first time in the second half of the match.

“I was passing the ball sideways to team mates before I scored the goal.

“I thought I would have got a pat on the back from my uncle, but instead he told me I should have passed the ball forward instead.

“So although I was his nephew, he still wouldn’t hesitate to tell me off. He was a fair guy.”

Steve came from a family of football coaches. His brother, Gary Johnson was a former football player and is the current manager of Cheltenham Town.

His other nephew, Lee Johnson, son of Gary, is the manager of Bristol City.

Lee was at Brighton from 2000-2001. Friends also shared their tributes on social media.

Kevin Cooper, who is Wimbledon FC’s record goal scorer, tweeted: “Very sad to hear the passing of my old manager Steve Johnson.

“What a great man and funny guy. He always had me laughing. I would always join in training and show some of the lads up as could play a bit.”

Kenny McCreadie, a friend of Steve, tweeted: “A very sad day, we lost a very good friend in Steve Johnson, the ex Arundel FC and East Grinstead FC manager.

“He leaves behind his lovely daughters. RIP my dear friend.”

Football clubs also sent their tributes on social media.

Arundel FC tweeted: “Arundel are sad to announce that ex-manager Steve Johnson has passed away aged only 60.

“Steve was one of football’s true characters and was manager when Arundel won the John O’Hara League Cup in 2003 to 2004.

“The club sends its condolences to his family at this sad time. RIP Steve.”

Redhill FC wrote: “Redhill FC are saddened to hear of the passing of former manager Steve Johnson.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends. RIP Steve.”

East Grinstead Town wrote: “Terrible news. Heartfelt condolences to all Steve’s family and friends from all at East Grinstead Town.”

John Buck, a lifetime member of Burgess Hill FC, had known Steve when he managed the club in 2005 from August to November.

He said: “Steve was passionate about what he did and he worked really hard.

“He led the club to win 4-2 against Molesey in the 2005-06 FA Cup qualifying rounds.”

Nick Barden, 47, former player at Hailsham, said: “Steve was my coach at Hailsham in 2006.

“We both lived in Eastbourne and we often travelled together to training.

“ I always had a good laugh with him.

“When he trained us there was never a dull moment. Sometimes you might get managers that are a bit boring but not Steve. My best memory about Steve was after we played against East Grinstead, Steve and another team mates went to a pub. Steve was standing outside, and he was in a suit. He wasn’t very tall, I think he was about five foot five.

“Someone walked past him and commented they had never seen a shorter doorman before.

“There were always fun moments with him.”