NEVILLE Neville — the father of football stars Gary and Phil — has died in Australia, aged 65.

Mr Neville, who was originally from Greenmount, was on holiday with his wife Jill, who is Bury Football Club’s secretary, and suffered a major heart attack.

The couple were there to support their daughter Tracey who is leading the England team at the Netball World Cup.

Mr Neville leaves Tracey, former England players Gary, Phil, grandson Harvey and granddaughters Molly, Sophie and Isabella.

After collapsing, Mr Neville was taken to St Vincent’s Hospital in Darlinghurst, Sydney, where doctors battled to save his life.

He was placed on a life-support machine and calls were made to former Manchester United stars Gary and Phil, who flew to Australia to be at his bedside.

News of his sad death was confirmed by England Netball and Bury FC on Friday afternoon.

A Bury FC statement read: "Our deepest condolences are extended to Jill, Gary, Philip and Tracey and the entire Neville family.

"Bury FC will pay tribute to Neville in due course and we ask everyone to allow the Neville family the time to grieve privately at this exceptionally sad time.

"We would like to end this statement by simply saying: 'Where would this club be without Neville?'

"Rest in Peace, big Nev."

In his younger years, Mr Neville was a keen cricketer and played for Greenmount Cricket Club in the 1980s, later helping out with its record keeping.

In a Twitter tribute, the club said: "We are very sad to learn of the passing of former player and club secretary Neville Neville. Our condolences to the family at this sad time."

When his sons became part of the so-called Class of '92, Alex Ferguson’s fledglings that included David Beckham and Paul Scholes, Mr Neville became their agent and negotiated contracts for them when they were at Manchester United.

He earned a reputation as a straight talker who stuck to his guns and did not suffer fools.

A Manchester United spokesman said: "We are sad to learn that Neville Neville, father of Gary and Phil, has passed away. Our condolences go out to his family."

The veteran sports enthusiast was a former director and ambassador of Bury FC and he helped mobilise Shakers fans when the club came close to collapse in 2002.

A Facebook tribute from fans' group Forever Bury read: "It's a very sad day indeed for everyone involved with Forever Bury as the shocking news of Neville Neville's passing hits home.

"Nev always had the interests of Bury FC and its long-term survival at heart but he was also instrumental in helping to set up and launch Forever Bury.

"It's a testament to Nev that we can still watch our beloved Bury FC week in week out."

A statement from the team said: "England Netball is saddened to announce that Neville Neville, father of head coach Tracey, passed away at hospital earlier on Thursday evening (Friday afternoon UK time) in Sydney.

"Our immediate thoughts are with Tracey and the Neville family and we please ask that the privacy of the family is respected at this time.

"Tracey has chosen to remain with the England team for the remainder of the World Cup and has the full support from everyone at England Netball."

It is not yet known if an inquest will be held into Mr Neville’s death and funeral details are still to be announced.