HEARTFELT tributes have poured in for a football fanatic Blues supporter after he died suddenly at the age of 38.

Robert Hutchings-Spiller, from Canvey, has been described as “one of life’s good ones”, with his “zest for life and love of football infectious”.

Although the “football madman” has played for and managed a number of teams over the years, he was most closely associated with South Benfleet United and Leigh Town FC.

Friends and family raised £3,600 in an hour in his honour as a Go Fund Me page was set up to help with funeral and memorial costs.

Robert, also known as Hutch, had no underlying health conditions but was found dead in his home on Monday, having never woken from his sleep.

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Robert’s team, Southend United, have since reached out after hearing the “such sad news”, saying: “Our thoughts and condolences go out to Rob’s family and friends.”

His sister Claire Spiller, 47 from Basildon, said: “His involvement with football was just off the scale, it’s really overwhelming to hear the impact he had on so many lives.

“He adored his family and was a massive figure for my two boys Fraser and Euan, he truly idolised them. He would go to watch them play and had just got Southend United season tickets for him and Euan.

“He’d felt just generally unwell over the weekend, so it was totally unexpected.”

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Adam Gill, from Rayleigh, has been best friends with Robert since he was just eight-years-old.

The 35-year-old, said: “It’s been such a shock, he was meant to be best man at my wedding in Greece next year and had only just booked his hotel. There wasn’t a day since I moved next door to him when I lived on Canvey that we haven’t spoke.”

Mitch Graham, from Canvey, and Shaun Webb, from Benfleet, also had the privilege of knowing the football “hero” - with the trio running teams together over the last eight years.

Mr Hutchings-Spiller was also a huge Manchester United fan.

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Mitch, 36, said: "This guy really was a pillar in the community, the footprint he left reaches far and wide.

"Hundreds if not thousands of players in Essex are playing because of him. He managed for over 20 years and really created a family."

Nephew Fraser Nyland, 20 from Basildon, added: “My uncle was always there for me and took me under his wing around 14/15.

“He just opened up the football world for me. He introduced me to so many people I would never have met, and has given me friends for life.”

Overwhelmed, Robert’s parents Margaret and Mick wished to thank everyone for their support.

Visit https://bit.ly/3magVle if you would like to help.