Legend Giggs among many shocked and saddened at death

THE world of football has paid tribute to sports agent Gary Lloyd.

Tributes have flooded in, among them a statement from close friend and neighbour Ryan Giggs. In a statement along with pals Bernie Taylor and Kelvin Gregory, Giggs said: “We were childhood friends of Gary’s and we are shocked and saddened by the news. We want to send our condolences to his mum, dad and daughter Havana. He was a doting father.

“As Reds, we used to go to football matches together and we will miss you so much Lloydy.”

On social media, Rochdale FC manager Keith Hill described him as a ‘very special person’ who would be sorely missed.

Rochdale FC said he was ‘loveable with an infectious smile’. And former Manchester City striker and ex-Oldham Athletic manager Paul Dickoy tweeted: “Absolutely devastated to hear the news of the passing away of Gary Lloyd, always has been, is & always will be a top top man #RIPLloydy.”

Meanwhile, Bury FC said he was ‘everybody’s best friend’.

Salford Red Devils, Bury FC and Rhodri Giggs all sent their condolences to Gary’s family. close friends after he finished playing and went on to work as a sports agent.

Tributes have flooded in from the footballing world following the news of Gary’s sudden death aged 47.

Brent, 60, described how Gary was a close friend of his family - attending both his daughter Natalie’s wedding, and also his father’s funeral.

Brent said: “My father was chairman, and later president, of the club before he passed away and he had a great bond with Gary.

“Gary drove hundreds of miles after arriving in London from Dubai on hearing of the death of my father in order to pay his last respects. His world will be an happier place with Gary by his side.”

Brent said that his daughter Natalie told him how Gary was always asking after him, to see if he was well.

He said: “Gary was a top lad, a man’s man, an infectious character that would light up any room by his presence, nothing was ever too much trouble for him.

“Gary would be there for anyone, a really great guy who will be sadly missed by all.”

As a sports agent, Gary represented players and staff at Lancashire CC, Bury FC, Rochdale FC and Salford Red Devils, among others.

He is understood to have been watching Manchester United’s match against Newcastle on Saturday shortly before he was found dead at his home in Worsley, Salford.

Brent said he and Gary struck up a friendship during his time at Borough.

He said: “He [Gary] had a close affinity with the club and stayed in contact long after he left.

“When he moved, and got more involved as an agent, he became very well connected throughout the world of sport, but he always kept in touch with Bacup - if you dropped him a line, he’d always be happy to play and do a job for us.

“Gary had the type of character that would light up any room, he brought life and soul to any place - everything about him was infectious and he was brilliant company.”

A statement on the Bacup Borough website read: “Rest in peace, Gary. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.” ●● Gary Lloyd (front row, second right) used to play for Bacup Borough FC. Brent Peters is pictured front, centre.