TRIBUTES have been flooding in following the sudden death of Prestwich Heys' chairman John Carroll.

Mr Carroll went into Trafford General Hospital last Thursday for a routine knee replacement operation, but died on Saturday evening.

The 76-year-old, of Kilner Close, Unsworth, was said to have been recovering well from the surgery and was relaxing in hospital while watching the Wimbledon tennis on television with his wife Jean on Saturday afternoon.

However, his condition rapidly deteriorated a short time later and he was admitted into the intensive care unit, where doctors fought in vain to save his life.

Mr Carroll leaves Jean, aged 76, daughters Debora, aged 54, and Wendy, aged 52, and grandsons Matthew Herod, aged 30, Mark Powell, aged 25, and George Powell, aged 21, as well as great grandchildren Elliott, aged 21 months, and Scarlett, aged seven months.

In his working life, Mr Carroll was a joiner and carpenter and his last full-time role before retirement was as a contracts manager for Joseph Holt pubs.

He later worked on a self-employed basis undertaking repairs at Old Trafford for Lancashire County Cricket Club

Upon retirement, Mr Carroll got involved as a volunteer with Heys in 2009 as Mark and George play for the club and their father — Mr Carroll's son-in-law — Graham is a former player.

The news of his death stunned club officials, who put out a statement, on behalf of all players, coaches and volunteers.

It read: "It is with shock and sadness that the club report the passing of our chairman John Carroll.

"A huge presence within the club, John has been a pillar of the club for many years.

"He steered the club through some difficult times in recent years but was as excited as anyone about the progress made in the last couple of years and future plans for progression to the North West Counties League.

"He was immensely proud last season when Heys lifted the Kenyon Cup for the first time in their history, especially as his grandsons both played in the game at Bury FC.

"John had time for everyone and was much loved by all at the club. He will be greatly missed.

"Our thoughts are with John's wife Jean and family at this sad time."

The club's vice chairman Neil Sankey said: "It has come has a tremendous shock to us all.

"We don't know what happened exactly, but it has taken us aback because John was very healthy for his age and still did a fair bit of work around the ground."

He added: "We at the club suffered a previous tragedy in 2007 when manager Adie Moran died as a result of an accident.

"That affected everyone at the club and John took up the chairman's role and really lifted everyone's spirits, reviving the club's ambition once again."

Heys were due to hold a minute's silence in memory of Mr Carroll at a pre-season friendly match against Bury FC's youth team at Sandgate Road last night.

On Facebook, Kaz Eyres said: "I'm so sad to hear this. John was a lovely man and always had a smile on his face. My thoughts are with his family."

Abid Uddin added: "He was a fantastic guy and will be missed,"

It is understood an investigation is underway at the hospital into the circumstances surrounding Mr Carroll's death.

A spokesman for Central Manchester University Hospitals Trust declined to comment.

A post-mortem examination was due to be carried out and Manchester South Coroners Service, which is based in Stockport, will decide if an inquest should take place.

Mr Carroll's funeral will take place at Radcliffe Crematorium at 3.30pm on Tuesday July 28 and the wake will take place at the clubhouse of Prestwich Heys afterwards.