TEAM-MATES have this week paid tribute to Headless Cross Ladies stalwart Eve Adams who died suddenly on Thursday.

The Redditch-based women's team, whom Eve played for and helped to found, held a minutes' silence before Sunday's game against Coventry Copsewood as a mark of respect.

"From my point of view, I've lost a very good friend," said Headless Cross manager Mandy Hill.

"From the team's point of view we have lost an outstanding person who was an inspiration to everybody, not just on the field but as a person.

"Eve was very passionate about football and lived for the sport, she has coached and supported lots of people and will be sadly missed in the game.

"The players at Headless Cross have nothing but happy memories of Eve and they will stay with us. She was a valued member of the team and a great friend to all."

Eve was a talented defender for numerous women's teams before deciding to start a women's football club in Redditch eight years ago.

Adams was a resilient defender for the club, then known as Redditch United, before proving a talented goalkeeper, becoming the first-team number one in 1998.

The former Abbeydale stopper frustrated opposing forwards for five years before reverting to her outfield role when the club started a reserve team two years ago. She was registered as a player this season but had yet to make an appearance because of a knee injury.

Adams - who won the club's Most Improved Player at the age of 36, four years ago -passed on her skills to a new generation as a coach for Redditch United and Headless Cross juniors.