THE football community across Wrexham is in mourning after the sudden death of one of the game’s most popular characters.

FC Queens Park manager Martin Ford was found dead today, age 39, just hours before the team was due to finish their Huws-Gray Alliance season at home to Penrhyncoch at Stansty Park

At around midday the club issued an online statement postponing the game.

Mr Ford is believed to have died suddenly. He was a father to a young daughter.

From Y Wern in Caia Park, in 2013 Mr Ford helped found the club which represents Wrexham's largest estate with the late Darren 'Coco' Roberts.

The club enjoyed an incredible rise under his management, starting at the very bottom of the football pyramid and going on to enjoy three promotions in four years.

He also established a youth team with the aim of giving youngsters from the estate a chance to progress to senior football and to keep out of trouble.

Just last year, in a thrilling race, the club pipped town rivals Brickfield Rangers to the Welsh National League (Wrexham Area) Premier Division title, and with it promotion to the largely semi-professional Huws-Gray Alliance.

Mr Ford dedicated the title win to his great friend 'Coco'. He was instrumental in helping the club secure a groundshare with Lex XI at Stansty Park in Summerhill in order to meet requirements and accept promotion.

But the club were looking forward to returning home to their pitch at The Dunks on the estate after being relegated this season.

Cllr Brian Halley, Cartrefle ward councillor on Caia Park Community Council, said he was shocked to learn of Mr Ford's death and he would be badly missed by the whole estate.

"I've known Martin for many years", he said."He did a lot of good work with the football team and took it on when 'Coco' died."

Cllr Halley added: "He did a lot for the youth on the estate and was very passionate about trying to get a junior football team going.

"I used to see him regularly when I was crossing The Dunks on a walk while the team were training and this is very sad news.

"He will be a massive loss to football in the area and Queens Park."

On social media, tributes flooded in to Mr Ford from the local and wider football community.

Via Twitter, Wrexham AFC director John Mills said: "RIP Martin Ford, way too young to leave us, and a sad loss to the community. Thoughts and condolences to his family."

Andrew Ruscoe from Brickfield Rangers said: "Extremely saddened to hear Martin Ford had passed away.

"The guy was an inspiration to local football. He gave a community hope by his enthusiasm and passion.

"I will miss you Martin. Seriously I am gutted. What you did for local football and the estate was an inspiration. I am going to miss you."

A tweet from Coedpoeth United FC confirmed they would be holding a minute’s silence at their game against Brickfield, adding: "We would like to pass on our sincerest condolences to all those connected to Martin Ford and @Fcqueenspark at this sad time.

"Local football in Wrexham has lost a huge character."