TRIBUTES have been paid to a "kind and wonderful" footballer who died in his sleep on Friday.

Shane Stanley, who was just 31, had played for Poole Borough Football Club for around a decade.

The club announced his death on their Twitter feed.

Poole Borough chairman, Fred Thomas, told the Daily Echo: "It's absolutely horrendous.

"He was a kind, wonderful man, and very young. It has knocked us all sideways."

A statement released by the club reads: “It is with great sadness that we announce the untimely death of club legend Shane Stanley, who passed away last night.

"Shane was a loved and respected member of the Boro family both on and off the pitch. Not only for his ability but also for his commitment and leadership.

"We along with everyone else are shocked and saddened by the news and we send our thoughts, prayers and condolences to his family and close friends whom are affected most by this horrendous news."

Contact us on 01202 411293, or newsdesk@bournemouthecho.co.uk, if you'd like to pay tribute to Mr Stanley.

Read Monday's Daily Echo for more.