Tributes have been pouring in for a stalwart Silsden Football Club fan who died suddenly last week.

A minute's silence was held at the home game against Blackpool Mechanics on Saturday in respect of Ian Michael Mitchell.

The 40-year-old collapsed and died of a heart attack last Wednesday. He was found at his home, off Wheathead Lane, Exley Head, by his 12-year-old son Jordan.

Ian (pictured), who worked at Harrison and Clough, had been living alone with Jordan, his only son, after separating from his wife Jayne.

Brother Darren said Ian had been a heavy smoker all his life and despite being warned to stop after his father died of an aneurysm three years ago he continued with his habit.

The 43-year-old said: "He knew the risks when dad died, but that was his life. He lived it the way he wanted to live it."

Ian, a former St Joseph's and Holy Family School pupil, was a massive Leeds United and Silsden AFC -- the "Reds" -- supporter. He worked behind the scenes to help ensure Silsden's match days went smoothly, and was also treasurer of the supporters' club.

He was known as the gentle giant by his football friends, and the "Reds" internet forum was inundated with postings in tribute to "the big fella".

Darren said his brother's other big hobby in life, apart from being with his son, was music. "Name an obscure track and he'd find it in his collection," he said.

"When dad died, Ian did say that when he died he didn't want a traditional funeral. He wanted to go out with a laugh.

"He requested Glenn Miller's 'In the Mood', so sure enough that is what he'll get at the ceremony," said Darren. He added: "I'm totally set back by the amount of people who have called at my mum's house since he died to give their condolences.

"We did book the funeral for the Knowle, but so many people from work and who'd met him through football wanted to come to pay their respects we had to find a bigger venue."

The funeral will now be held at 1.45pm today at St John's Church, on Halifax Road.

After a service at Oakworth crematorium a buffet will be held at the Three Horses pub on Fell Lane.