TRIBUTES have been paid to a pillar of Southampton’s football community who has tragically died.

Popular Ryan New, 32, was described as “a true gentleman and a genuinely nice guy” by a former manager and friend, while others remembered how he was always smiling.

He was known as a big personality and played for Sunday League side Woolston T&L, now known as Knighton Arms, for nearly a decade.

During a glittering career Ryan, known as Bino, won more than 20 medals and one-time Knighton Arms manager Scott Marchant said the news had devastated the football community.

Mr Marchant said: “The Knighton community is in mourning after this tragic loss. Bino was an honest and terrific footballer, one of the best to wear the Knighton shirt.

“But most importantly, away from football Bino was a true gentleman, a genuinely nice guy and a great friend to all that knew him.

“You never heard a bad word said about him – he always had a smile on his face and that rubbed on to many around him.

“Bino was an extremely-liked guy and was part of the Woolston T&L and Knighton Arms teams and has left an irreplaceable void.”

Last night the circumstances of his death were unclear but tributes flooded in from a number of local footballers.

Gosport Borough midfielder Mike Carter tweeted: “RIP Bino – genuine nice guy that has gone too early, thoughts are with the family. Sleep tight bud.”

Danny Cox, who plays for Brockenhurst, tweeted: “RIP Bino, All round good guy love his football! Shared many good Sundays with this fella #UpTheKnighton”

His medals include five Hampshire Sunday Senior Cups, eight Premier Divisions, six AJ Miller trophies and seven Southampton Senior Cups.

He also played for Sporting BTC, Team Solent and Veracity Vipers on Saturdays.

Ryan’s funeral will take place on Thursday, September 18 at 11.30am at the Hedge End crematorium followed by the wake at the Obelisk Pub, Woolston.