Tributes after sudden death of Shropshire FA boss

Mick Murphy had served the Shropshire FA for more than 20 years

Tributes have been paid after the sudden death of the chief executive of Shropshire's Football Association.

Mick Murphy passed away on Tuesday while on Shropshire FA business at the national Football Association's St George's Park headquarters.

The county FA said Mr Murphy, 60, had served the organisation for more than 20 years, including three as CEO.

Mr Murphy was also the chairman of Market Drayton Town. A number of football clubs paid tribute to him.

Market Drayton said the news was "heartbreaking" and that everyone at the club had held him in high regard.

AFC Telford United praised the warm hospitality Mr Murphy had provided in his Market Drayton role.

'Friend to everybody'

Dave Simpson, the Chairman of the Shropshire FA, said: "He was not only my CEO, he was my mate."

Mr Murphy had been the county's first football development officer before rising up through the organisation and Mr Simpson described him as "a friend to everybody" and someone who would try to help anyone who needed it.

He said the pair of them had spoken on Monday to plan their week and had arranged to go to a match at the weekend.

Mr Simpson described his friend's death as "a tragic loss to the football family of Shropshire".