'Ross was so gentle and lovely... he was brilliant'

NEIGHBOUR LEADS TRIBUTES TO TRAGIC FOOTBALLER

- HELENA VESTY

THE death of a talented young footballer has led to a huge outpouring of grief.

A minute's applause was held for Ross Aikenhead ahead of yesterday's Wythenshawe Town vs Wythenshawe FC match in the North West Counties Premier Division - he had played for both clubs. There were moments of remembrance as players wore black armbands at matches across the region for Ross, from Sale.

Ross, who was in his 20s, was hailed as a 'fantastic young man and a terrific footballer' as a lifelong neighbour shared a moving tribute.

Ross, who most recently played for Winsford United in the North West Counties League First Division South, was 'kind, considerate, well-minded' and a 'beautiful person, Linda Journeaeux said.

The 67-year-old mum told the M.E.N: "I've known him since he was born. He was just fantastic, so lovely I don't really have words for it, Saturday was an awful day."

Ms Journeaeux said she was left shaken having spent years living next door to Ross and his family at their Sale home, fondly remembering garden parties she was invited to.