TEAM MATES PAY TRIBUTE TO MOTORBIKE CRASH VICTIMRICHARD AULT
RICHARD.AULT@THESENTINEL.CO.UK
09:40 - 18 June 2008
Team-mates have been left devastated after their popular football club captain died in a motorbike accident.
Daniel Stevens, aged 25, suffered fatal head injuries after crashing his bike on the A5013, near Great Bridgeford, on Saturday.
The construction engineer was captain of Eccleshall Football Club and played more than 250 games since making his debut in 2000.
After a short spell at Stone Dominoes, Danny returned to Eccleshall and captained the side in Staffordshire Senior Cup victories over Stoke City and Port Vale last season.
Former manager Mark Askey said: "I can still see the look on his face as he led the team out against Stoke and Port Vale. He was so proud.
"We just can't believe it. Sometimes at a football club, you spend more time with these lads than your own family and we are just devastated.
"When I became manager three seasons ago I appointed Danny as my captain. He had all the qualities I was looking for, he was 100 per cent reliable, he gave his all in every game he played, he was as brave as a lion on the field, and a lovely natured lad off it. I know a lot of people say it, but he genuinely was a nice lad.
"I know how proud he was to captain the side and he literally stuck his chest out every time he led the team out.
"Danny was a big part of this football club.
"Everyone is shattered by this terrible tragedy and our thoughts are with his family.
"I was only speaking to Danny on Friday night and still cannot take in what has happened."
Club secretary Richard Marsh said: "He was a credit to himself and his family and always conducted himself in a proper manner on and off the field.
"His friendly manner made him a likeable person to all at Eccleshall FC and he was respected in the dressing room for the way he conducted himself.
"The coming seasons will be empty without his smile. He will be greatly missed, but always remembered."
Many friends and former team-mates have used The Sentinel's website to pay tribute to Danny, who also played for Sunday side Woodseaves in the Stafford and District Sunday Football League. Andy Mapperson, of Stone, said: "Your memory will remain forever. You always gave 100 per cent and had Eccleshall FC running through your veins. A privilege to have known you."
Steven Brunt, of Lightwood, said: "Always gave great support on the football field even when things were going wrong. Will be missed by everyone at Eccleshall FC."
And Tim Buckley, of Stone, said: "A gentleman, a true friend who will be sadly missed by all."
Danny's funeral will take place at Eccleshall on Monday and the cortege will pause outside the Pershall Park ground.
His family has asked for Danny's number three shirt to be draped over the coffin along with the captain's armband he was proud to wear.
They have also requested no flowers, with donations to be made to the football club.
In addition the club are planning to pay a lasting tribute to their captain, with some form of commemoration in his honour.
Police are still appealing for witnesses to last weekend's crash, which took place near Walton Special School at 1.50pm. They should call Sergeant Andy Stone, of Stone police, on 08453 302010.
