TRIBUTES have been paid to Brian Nevett, described as a driving force in non-league football, who died on holiday.

The popular 69-year-old forged an enviable reputation in football circles and former colleagues and friends were quick to pay testimony to his legacy.

Mr Nevett was well known as a former director of Worcester City but he also played a huge part in the meteoric rise of Alvechurch FC.

During his time as club secretary they rose from the Midland Combination to the Southern League, with Mr Nevett an integral part of that success.

His expertise led to his election as a member of the Southern League management committee, where he served with distinction for many years.

In 1989, Mr Nevett joined the St George's Lane board, where he was company secretary until he resigned in 1995. But he continued to support the club, travelling to both home and away matches.

Worcester City's vice-chairman Laurie Brown said he would be "sadly missed" by everybody at the club.

Steve Townsend, match secretary of the Midlands Floodlit Youth League, also added his respects and said Mr Nevett was instrumental in advising the league.

"He was always there for advice and was vastly experienced in non- league football," he said.

"Everybody seemed to know him, a bit like Ray Mercer, and you could go to him with any problem and he would help you out.

"I was involved at Worcester City for a number of years with him and his experience and contacts at all levels of local football were invaluable."

He is survived by his wife Doreen and children Dave and Julie.

Mr Nevett's funeral service will be at The Methodist Church, Stratford Road, Bromsgrove, today at noon, followed by a committal at Redditch Crematorium and afterwards at Bromsgrove Golf Centre.