HEARTFELT tributes have been paid to a man who dedicated a huge chunk of his life to football and managed a series of south Essex clubs.

Colin Cook, 68, passed away on Tuesday after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

His death has sparked an outpouring of emotion after he spent years managing the likes of Concord Rangers on Canvey, Bowers and Pitsea club, Hullbridge FC, Eaton Manor FV and Stanbridge United.

The Manchester United fan, who lives on Kings Park, on Canvey, was also well known as a singer and security guard working across south Essex.

His son, Ben, 35, from South Ockendon, said: “I cannot speak highly enough of him, he was an unbelievable dad and grandad.

“His grandchildren were the apples of his eye. So many people have come forward and spoken highly of him and it made me well up.

“I was full of emotion. He went through so many teams in Essex and knew so many people.

“I think his heart was really with Concord Rangers on Canvey and he’s on their honours board for all his work.

“His wife and him used to be singers and entertainers too and later in life he worked in security at Kings Park.”

During his time at Bowers and Pitsea FC, he oversaw a huge overhaul of the club including a new stadium and changing rooms.

Ben added: “He got into it because of me and agreed to come on board when I played for Purfleet FC which later became Thurrock FC.

“We won everything we could in the league and then the then chairman of Concord FC asked if he would join their club.

“At Bowers Gifford he changed the whole ethos and took it from a smaller club to what it is today. In later life he would go and watch Canvey FC play.

“Our family would love to see any many people as possible at the Fountain Bar at Kings Park on Canvey on March 12 from 2pm for a celebration of his life.

“We ask people wear colourful clothes and we are also asking people to make a donation to Cancer Research UK if they can in memory of dad.”