Tributes paid to 'heart of gold' Chesterfield footballer

Steve Miller, the player/manager of New Inn Tupton Football Club, sadly passed away earlier this month.

The much-loved man has been described as a ‘true leader’ and ‘selfless friend’.

A post on the Chesterfield and District Sunday Football League Facebook page said: “‘Miller’ as Steve was affectionately called was an enthusiastic character around the north Derbyshire football scene, indeed it was his infectious encouragement and attitude that rubbed off on his team-mates and definitely made this skilful player one you wanted on your side, not in the opposition.

“The league have received many tributes including ‘heart of gold off the field heart of a lion on it’ how true this was and if you’ve been in on one of his half time team talks you knew you had better give your all in the second half.”

The post added: “In closing one of the most touching comments was ‘a father figure to men of his own age and younger who was greatly respected by those of us who were fortunate enough to have known him’.

“The Chesterfield & District Sunday League would like to send its deepest sympathies and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.”

A Just Giving page has since been set up to raise funds to buy a memorial bench and tree.

The page has so far received more than £1,900 in donations.

The page says: “We’ve lost the best and brightest - a true leader, a selfless friend to so many with a huge heart. Now there’s a massive void in the lives of all who knew and loved him. Yesterday, today, tomorrow and for as many days as it takes we’ll come together and we’ll grieve together and we’ll support and take care of one another and in time we’ll do everything we can to honour his memory and celebrate his life - you’ll never be forgotten Steven Miller and we’ll hold you in our hearts for ever.

“The way your mates, brothers and sisters every one, have come together and are supporting each other is heart wrenching and beautiful - they all want to have something lasting to honour your memory - a place to sit and reflect, something permanent to remember you by.”

If you would like to make a donation to Steve's fundraising page, click hereThe service for Steve will be held at Chesterfield Crematorium on Thursday, August 2 at 11.50am, with a burial at Boythorpe Cemetery at 1pm.