A CLUB treasurer has paid tribute to his friend of 45 years who sadly died following a battle with cancer.

Huge Bradford City fan David Keegan, who was known by many around the local football scene as 'Kegsy', passed away on Friday aged 61.

He had been club secretary at Campion AFC for 20 years before leaving the role last year.

Campion club treasurer Andrew Shepard, who was best man at Mr Keegan's wedding, said his friend was an "extremely popular figure".

"He was a really sociable person," Mr Shepard added.

"It is just tragic that he can not have a long and happy retirement."

Tributes have been made across clubs in Bradford including City, Eccleshill United, and Thackley AFC.

Many are set to gather at Campion's hosting of Eccleshill tonight, with a minute's silence in Mr Keegan's memory to take place before kick off.

Mr Shepard said: "We met when we were both at St Bede's. Our love for Bradford City brought us together initially.

"20 years ago, we needed a new secretary, so I persuaded him to come on board.

"Over the years, he has played a massive part in helping us get promotions from amateur football into the semi-pro game.

"He was fundamental in helping us get funding from the Football Foundation to improve the ground.

"He has been a massive part in what we have achieved in the last few years."

He added: "Everybody in the football community in Bradford knew him as 'Kegsy from Campion'. He is going to be massively missed.

"We are planning to name the stand at the top side of the ground 'The Dave Keegan Stand'."

Mr Shepard first heard the tragic news when driving back from Campion's victory over Tadcaster Albion.

Mr Shepard said: "He announced earlier in the year that he had cancer and had had an operation. We were hoping that would be the end of it.

"Unfortunately, the operation was unsuccessful and it spread pretty quickly."

He added: "It was quite ironic that Campion played on Friday.

"It was as we were coming home from Tadcaster, after a good victory, that we got the sad news.

"On Saturday, there were six or seven of us at the Tranmere game (against Bradford City) who had a drink in his memory.

"He would have loved that weekend with both Campion and City winning."