A GRIEVING brother last night paid warm tribute to a talented footballer who had a passion for the beautiful game.

Adam Taylor, 28, of Rickinghall, near Bury St Edmunds, was killed on Friday along with his friends Daniel and Tom Hazelton and Peter Johnson.

Last night his brother, Jason, said he would be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He said: “Ad was well known, much loved and best big mate to everybody he met.

“He led Rickinghall White Horse Football Club for six years and was the worst manager ever.

“His passion for the beautiful game was second to none.

“You would never meet a man like him, words cannot describe his personality, it was truly special.”

Mr Taylor was an attacking midfielder and scored one of Rickinghall’s two goals in their 2008-09 Suffolk FA Sunday Trophy Final win.

Chairman Robert Lister said: “Adam was the main man. Everything seemed to happen around him. He was one of those type of lads. He was really up for anything, a loveable rogue. He was a very talented footballer.

“It was such a shock for everyone when we heard. Our thoughts are with his family. He will be very sadly missed.”

Mr Lister said the football club cancelled their match yesterday as a mark of respect.

Mr Taylor also played football for Walsham-le-Willows.