AN INQUEST is due to open today into the sudden death of one of the founders of Sandy Lane Junior Football club in Bradford.

Mick Hallam died unexpectedly aged 70 on Wednesday, May 17.

It is believed Mr Hallam’s body was discovered in woods near his home in Sandy Lane.

Family and friends will gather at Nab Wood Crematorium on Friday, June 2, to say their farewells.

His sudden death shocked Sandy Lane JFC chairman Steve Chell who described Mr Hallam as “an integral part of the organisation and a stalwart”.

Divorced Mr Hallam, who lived most of his life in Sandy Lane, leaves a son and a daughter. A second son died tragically at a young age, said Mr Chell.

Mr Hallam, who was known to many in the local community, was among a number of people in 1978 who started off Sandy Lane Junior Football Club when it had just one team.

It had sprung from the local Methodist church.

His sons played with the club and he took an active part in it right up until his death, as well as being a familiar, regular face standing on the sidelines.

“He ran teams, got involved in training, helped fundraise and organise trips,” said Mr Chell. “He was an integral part of the organisation. He was a stalwart. He was a character. He loved a joke, loved a laugh.”

Mr Chell, who has been involved with the club for more than 30 years, said he knew Mr Hallam well.

“He would help the lads and guide the managers along,” he said. “Everyone has spoken glowingly of him.”

There are now plans to play a friendly match between Sandy Lane JFC and Sandy Lane Open Age Football team in his memory.

And Mr Chell said the club would be calling its new home after him once they have secured a permanent pitch.

“We are trying to source a permanent home for ourselves,” he said. “We are somewhat nomads at the moment travelling round playing on council and school pitches at Marley at Keighley. We’re hoping to get the former Edmund Kampion fields at Rhodesway and it would probably be re-named after Mick.”