Prime Minister Andy Burnham has paid his own tribute to sporting fundraiser Tony Steenson, who has died aged 78, hailing him a "real Greater Manchester legend". Tony was affectionately known as "the Gaffer" as the organiser of hundreds of charity football matches with teams under the "All Stars" name over the past 40 years.
Burnham's memories of 'the Gaffer'
Mr Burnham has previously played in charity matches organised by Tony in Greater Manchester, and has recalled his own memories of "the Gaffer" in a tribute tonight. Tony died after a short illness while on holiday in Portugal with wife Wendy earlier this month.
News of his death has been greeted with an outpouring of grief and tributes from across the sporting, showbiz and business worlds. Friends have spoken movingly of a man who "always had time for everyone" and who was tireless in his enthusiasm for raising funds for charity.
Tributes from friends and TV stars
Tony, a dad and grandad, was born and raised in Salford, and has been fondly remembered for his stellar role at Hyde United in the 1970s and 80s, making 276 appearances for the club and hailed the "greatest captain Hyde ever had". He would go on to manage the Piccadilly Attackers, a charity football team that went on to become the All Stars. They became the best known charity football team in the country, featuring a galaxy of stars and well known figures over the following four decades.
Former Greater Manchester Mayor Mr Burnham said tonight his thoughts were with Tony's family. He added that Tony would regularly message him which would "always give me a lift".
He said in a statement: "Tony was a huge character and a real Greater Manchester legend. He loved his football but, more importantly, he cared deeply about people and always used his connections in the game to give something back to his community.
"I have very fond memories of playing in his charity matches over the years. We all called him Gaffer and loved him a lot. He brought people together, made people laugh and made a true difference."
He continued: "His regular messages always gave me a lift and I will miss him a lot. My thoughts are with Tony’s family and everyone who knew and loved him."
Legacy and farewell
Earlier today, Tony's close friend and Worsley neighbour Kieran Rabbitt shared his tribute and praised the legacy he now leaves. He said: "He always wanted to help anyone and his first word was always ‘yes’ when asking for advice or something else, you can see this in all the money he helped raise for many different charities and causes.
"In the words of Kipling ‘He could walk with Kings but kept the common touch ‘ he had time for everyone. He had a great sense of humour and was known for his famous sayings which sometimes didn’t make sense! No doubt these will be bandied about over the next few weeks. In fact, I might write a book about them!
"He will be sorely missed but I’ll take great memories from his friendship and smile each time I think of them and him. He left a legacy. RIP my friend."
Tributes have been pouring in since the news broke at the weekend from across the teams he has formerly managed. That included from a host of TV stars who played alongside Tony and have all hailed "the Gaffer".
Hollyoaks star and fellow Salfordian Jamie Lomas said: "Thank you for all the memories over so many years. A true legend. RIP Gaffer." Former Corrie star Dean Fagan added: "Can’t believe you’re gone Gaffer. Thanks for everything. Rest in power Top Man."
Corrie legend Phil Middlemiss said: "The Gaffer was the glue, fixing everything, you will be so sadly missed, my hero, and if there is a heaven, he’ll have picked his starting eleven and what a ride they’ll have." Corrie's Andy Whyment added: "The Gaffer was a true legend."
