TRIBUTES have been paid to a "well respected" chef who cooked for Bolton Wanderers players and staff and latterly worked at the Bolton Whites Hotel.

Father-of-four Brian Ward, who worked in and around the Macron Stadium for nearly two decades, died at home yesterday.

He was executive chef at the hotel before becoming executive chef for the club.

The club said in a statement: "Brian Ward started his association with Bolton Wanderers in July 1998.

"In his 18 years within the club he has been a well-respected chef at the Whites Hotel and moved over to the first team to be the head chef and look after the diet and nutrition for all the players and staff.

"He has been a vital member of the back room staff within Bolton Wanderers and someone who was well respected by players and staff alike.

"His sudden death has come as a big shock to the club, hotel and staff, and players old and new have been saddened by the news."

In an interview published in the club's Extra Time online magazine six years ago, Mr Ward said he worked what was then called the De Vere Whites Hotel for 11-and-a-half years before becoming involved in the first team's food when the squad competed in the UEFA Cup for the first time in the 2005/06 season.

The team had to play in Bulgaria and the then manager Sam Allardyce asked Mr Ward – who knew some of the players and staff as they used to go into the hotel to eat – to accompany them on the trip abroad as he was worried about the state of the local food.

Phil Mason, club chaplain, said: "It has been an upsetting time for so many in the club and hotel.

"Brian was such a great character and well respected.

"So many people have been in touch with us clearly shocked by the news and wanting to pass on their condolences to all Brian’s family.

"Clearly our thoughts and prayers are with them at this time of loss."

Defender David Wheater said: "It has hit everyone really hard.

"I’ve known him six years now, probably the longest among the players, and it’s horrible.

"In any other profession you'd probably be having time off to get your head around it, but not football.

"Chris, our other chef, is one of my best mates and I went round his house at midnight last night and said 'I’ll take you for a McDonald’s’ to try and take his mind off it.'

"Everyone needs to get together and hopefully we can get a win for him on Monday night against Gillingham."

It is understood players may wear black armbands and flags could be lowered to half mast for the League One home game.