TRIBUTES have been paid to former Sedgley Park captain John Bradshaw who died last month, aged 63.

Bradshaw passed away suddenly after being admitted to hospital the day before with suspected pneumonia.

His funeral took place last Thursday and was followed by a celebration of his life in the Tigers’ clubhouse at Park Lane.

In a statement on the club’s website, chairman David Smith said the club stalwart who skippered the first XV for a decade between 1973 and 1983 would be greatly missed.

Smith said: “I first met John playing cricket for Stand juniors back in 1968.

“He went on that year to join Sedge. After two or three games playing in the colts he became a member of our first XV and was the cornerstone of our pack for many years after.

“He was our 1st XV captain from 1973 to 1983 and was leader to a pack of forwards that included Gordon Smith, Ronnie Hall, Tony Bolton, Steve Harrison, John Lewis, Graham Mold, Pete Burgess and John Smith.

“I was second row to Braddy for many years. On the field he never took a backward step and was a major contributory factor in our rise through the ranks.

“John was one of several key players who chose to stay at Sedgley instead of moving to “better” more senior club sides throughout the North of England.

“He certainly had many offers that I was aware of.

“His loyalty to our club then has been the foundation on which our success today is based. He will be greatly missed.”