TRIBUTES have been paid to the president of Tyldesley RUFC, who has died suddenly.

Bill Green had died at the age of 73 yesterday morning.

He had been a member of the club since his playing days for over six decades. His close friend and former club president Bryan Belcher said: “You could not meet a nicer bloke. He was well respected and excellent sportsman. The club was like his family.” Mr Green, a father-of-two, lived in Wigan, and was a former team captain. He was appointed club president three years ago.

A post by Ian Lysons, membership secretary, on the club website said: “He always wore his Tyldesley colours with pride and rarely missed a first team game but would equally support each Tyldesley team whatever the weather.”

“Club men like Bill don’t come round often and his hard work supporting the club never went unnoticed.”