TRIBUTES have have been paid to Bury FC football agent Gary Lloyd.

The 47-year-old father-of-one was found dead at his home in Worsley on Saturday.

Mr Lloyd, a sports agent who played a vital role in the promotion of Bury FC to League one in 2015, had clients at a number of clubs including Bury FC, Lancashire Cricket Club, Rochdale FC and Salford Red Devils.

An official statement from Bury FC said: "The club has awoken this morning to the news that football agent Gary Lloyd has sadly passed away over the weekend. A great friend of the club, Gary was a key part of the backroom staff during the club's 2014/15 promotion campaign. Whilst working with the club, Gary quickly became everyone’s best friend with his infectious smile and loveable character.

"His passing over the weekend has shocked everybody, and naturally, the club would like to extend its deepest condolences to his family, along with the many friends that Gary collected over the years."

Tributes have also come in from across the sporting and celebrity worlds, where Mr Lloyd had made many friends as part of the All Stars charity team.

Manchester United's Ryan Giggs, a long-time friend and neighbour to Mr Lloyd, said in a statement with schoolfriends Bernie Taylor and Kelvin Gregory: "We were childhood friends of Gary’s and we are shocked and saddened by the news. We want to send our condolences to his mum, dad and daughter Havana. He was a doting father.

"As Reds, we used to go to football matches together and we will miss you so much Lloydy."

They were joined by Rochdale FC Manager, Keith Mills, who said Lloyd was a "very special person" who will "be sorely missed."

An official statement from the club said: "Everyone at Rochdale Football Club is deeply saddened and shocked to learn of the passing of Gary Lloyd over the weekend.

"Not only was Gary the agent of many of our players, as well as agent to manager Keith Hill, he was also a very close friend of many at the club, including the players and backroom staff, and regularly attended Dale matches, both home and away.

"A loveable character with an infectious smile, he will be very sorely missed around the place."

Many more took to social media as former Oldham Athletic boss Paul Dickov tweeted: "Absolutely devastated to hear the news of the passing away of Gary Lloyd, always has been, is & always will be a top top man #RIPLloydy."

No Offence and Hollyoaks actor Will Mellor tweeted describing Mr Lloyd as a 'Great bloke' adding he was "Devastated for his family. Shook me to the core! RIP pal #GoneTooSoon."

Coronation Street star Alan Halsall tweeted: "Me and all my friends @theallstarsfc received some very cruel news yesterday, 1 of our own and a friend to all Gary Lloyd has tragically passed away, were all devastated and our dressing room will be a much duller place without you.

"Rest in peace mate."

And Royal Family star Ralf Little also wrote on Twitter: "RIP Lloydy. Sad day."