Tributes have been paid after the life president of Northwood Football Club died from Covid-19.

Pat Byrne, a former player and manager at the club, died yesterday (April 25) after he contracted the virus.

The life president made his debut at the club in 1955 and dedicated much of his life to the club.

On Twitter, the club confirmed the death and said: “The club are so very sad to announce that Pat Byrne, club Life President and former Woods player and manager, has this evening (April 25) passed away from Covid-19.

“Our sincere and heartfelt condolences go to Shamira and all Pat’s family following the loss of a wonderful man. RIP Pat.”

Cllr Duncan Flynn for Northwood Hills called it “very sad news for the local community in and around Northwood”.

Bob Fisher, the chairman of Hanwell Town FC in Ealing, called the announcement “such desperately sad news”.

He said: “I guess I must have known Pat on and off the field for fifty years plus and can well remember the duels that HTFC had with him and his brother Paul.

“In more recent times, each time our respective clubs met we would meet up along with Shamira and chat about hose days gone by.

“We would also meet up during the summer at our respective cricket clubs Ealing and Stanmore.

“Those days were always so special."

The Watford Observer have contacted the club for further comment.