Our man Steve one of finest

STEVE STAMMERS, the former Sunday Mirror football correspondent who has died suddenly at 71, was one of the last of the old-school Fleet Street football writers.

He spent more than 40 years following the daily twists and turns of a sport that emerged from the cloth cap era to become a billion dollar playground.

Stammers charted the evolution with enthusiasm and energy and befriended a host of stars, from Steve Perryman and George Graham to Patrick Vieira and Arsene Wenger.

A grammar schoolboy from Harold Hill, he worked for six newspapers – including the Sunday Mirror, Daily Star and Evening Standard – and compiled an impressive contacts book.

When Swindon fans were furious after his revelation that their manager Glenn Hoddle was about to join Chelsea, Stammers (below) knew he was on safe ground. His story – initially ridiculed – was spot on.

A couple of days later Chelsea confirmed Hoddle’s appointment. His source? Ken Bates. Stammers broke many stories, but the one that gave him most satisfaction was his 1996 exclusive that a little-known French coach working in Japan was about to become manager of Arsenal.

Steve enjoyed a long and fruitful relationship with Wenger and, as a French speaker, was well placed to get to know many of the Gunners’ French players.

He also covered a total of eight World Cup tournaments.

England legend Gary Lineker led the tributes following Steve’s death.

“Very sorry to hear that Steve Stammers has passed away,” he said.

“A fine journalist and one of life’s good guys.

Part of the press pack back in the days when players and sports journalists would engage with or without the pen in hand.”

Stammers was married twice and is survived by his two children.