TRIBUTES have been paid to a "respected" football coach who has died after battling a brain tumour.

Iain Byland, who coached the Wolves Under 11s team at Warndon Villages Football Club (WVFC), died on Saturday, May 6, at home in Eliot Road, Worcester.

He was diagnosed with a brain tumour in August 2016 and underwent treatment – but still attended training and match days when he could.

The 64-year-old formed his career as a primary school teacher, working at Powick CofE Primary School and latterly Bowbrook House School in Peopleton – where he also ran the Under 7s and Under 9s football teams.

He had one daughter, three grandchildren and two step-grandchildren, and was a member of Gaudet Luce Golf Club in Droitwich.

His daughter, Anna Wallace, 36, said: "It has become quite evident since he died that he touched quite a lot of people's hearts. He was a real inspiration.

"With the boys at the football team, he had a really positive way with them – even if they lost, he would have words of comfort and support.

"He was really well liked by the kids and I think that is how he got his reputation as a teacher – he was always the teacher that kids wanted to have.

"Warndon Villages Football Club have been amazing – like another family to us through it all.

"He was under the care of St Richard's Hospice – they have been fantastic with helping dad. Thanks to them that is how he was at home. He put up such a fight."

At WVFC football matches over last weekend, minutes' silences and a minute of applause were held in Mr Byland's honour.

He became a coach with the Warndon Wolves after taking his grandson along to the development centre, and volunteered to help run the group.

Kristian Askew, chairman of WVFC, said: "Iain was one of the nicest coaches I have come across in my seven years involved with youth football in Worcester.

"He was always full of positivity, encouragement and always had the best interests of the players at heart.

"During his treatment Iain still attended training and match days when his health permitted.

"Iain was a great coach and will be missed by everyone.

"The club would like to express our thanks to Westbury Celtic, L&B and the Mercian league for their respects that they have paid to the club and Iain’s family."

Rich Kemp, coaching partner and friend, said: "Iain had a real passion for football and was respected by all the players, parents and other coaches.

"Attending training and match days was his highlight of the week and his priority was to make sure the team always enjoyed their football.

"Iain would always find a positive in every situation, always be smiling and offering his advice to the players.

"This was a contributing factor in the Wolves reaching their first cup final in March against L&B and although Iain was very poorly, he attended the game, gave his last team talk and was so proud of what the team had achieved.

"Iain will be sadly missed by everyone at the football club and the entire Wolves squad.

"The Wolves would like to thank everyone who sent their condolences, especially L&B, Westbury Celtic and Perdiswell Colts."

Mr Byland's funeral will be held at 1.45pm on Wednesday, May 24, at Worcester Crematorium in Tintern Avenue.