TRIBUTES have flooded in for Sallie Swan, the much loved vice chairman of Redditch United Football Club.

Sallie, wife of chairman Chris Swan, described as having a "wicked sense of humour" and as someone who was passionate as well as hard working and dedicated, died on April 15.

She passed away peacefully in the presence of friends and family following a long battle with cancer.

News of her death sent shockwaves through not just the sporting community but Redditch as a whole with many people and groups leaving glowing tributes to her.

Redditch MP Karen Lumley said that Sallie showed incredible bravery as she continued to play her role at the club despite her ill health.

She said: “Richard and I were so very sorry to hear of Sallie’s death.

“Both Chris and Sallie Swan have been great friends to us both, and I commend the huge contribution Sallie has made to Redditch United.

“We were able to visit her two weeks ago and she was still laughing and joking with us. She is a great loss to everyone and our thoughts and prayers are with Chris and the family at this very sad time.”

Leader of Redditch Council Bill Hartnett paid tribute to Sallie during a council meeting and said he would be writing to Chris to express the council’s condolences.

Rob and Maggie Underwood from Charlotte & Craig Saving Hearts Foundation said: "Our thoughts and prayers are sent to Chris Swan, family and friends on hearing the very sad news.

"We first met Sallie when we donated a defibrillator to Redditch United and she made us very welcome and made us laugh, especially during training.

"God bless Sallie Swan you will be missed by everyone in Redditch."

Manager of Redditch United Liam McDonald recently dedicated a win to the "much-loved" Sallie.

It was emotional night for the club, with the management team joining the players on the pitch to take part in a minute’s applause in honour of her.

Mr McDonald said: “Sallie was a fantastic person with a wicked sense of humour and she desperately wanted the club to succeed. Before the game the lads were upset, but they wanted to win the game for her and book our place in the play-offs.

“It was an emotional night, but I thought we produced one of the best team defensive efforts I have ever witnessed.”

A statement from the football club said: “Chris, Craig, Tom, Lara and Dan would like to thank the heartfelt warmth from the Redditch United community and also thank Macmillan, Marie Curie and the Stratford Hospice for their care. There is a deep hole in our lives as we remember a special lady.”

The funeral of Sallie Swan takes place Thursday, May 5 at St James Church in Alveston, Stratford.

There will be a special memorial cup game, between Redditch United Juniors and parents, on May 1 in honour of Sallie.

For more information on the game, visit redditchutdfc.co.uk.