David Gellett, 30, of Bollam Close, Connah's Quay, a goalkeeper for Wepre Rangers Football Club, collapsed on the pitch on Tuesday evening when his team were preparing to play a pre-season friendly match against Holywell Town at their Halkyn Road ground.

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Mr Gellett had been doing his usual warm-up exercises when he collapsed, just two minutes before the refereee was due to start the game.

Holywell Town manager Anthony Wallis and player Chris Williams rushed over to help and discovered that Mr Gellett was not breathing. They battled to resuscitate him for 15 minutes until paramedics arrived and he was rushed to Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, Bodelwyddan, where he was pronounced dead.

Mr Gellett, who moved to Flintshire from Somerset in the late 1980s, leaves his mum Sharon Morris, dad Bob, sisters Nicola, Katy and Lucy, brother Steven and nieces Ellie and Neve.

Nicola, who lived with Mr Gellett and her daughter Neve, said yesterday: "He was larger than life and I was very, very proud of him.

"He was great with Neve, she loved him. We were very close and he always looked after me.

"His mates were the world to him, he has really great friends."

Mr Gellett, a staunch West Ham Utd fan, served in the Navy for eight years, during which time he did two tours of the Gulf and one of Serbia during the unrest there.

Mrs Morris said: "David had a good band of friends, some he'd had since school.

"He was highly regarded in the Navy. He spent time in Afghanistan, but we got through things like that, which makes it all the more ironic that he should die like this.

"David had strong family values and was very loyal to his friends. He was confident, fun and always the life and soul of the party.

"You never expect to have to bury your child. It was a huge shock for all of us. We would really like to thank the lady at the scene, the paramedics and staff at Glan Clwyd Hospital, who fought so hard to save David's life."

The devastating news also left Mr Gellett's friends and teammates reeling and tributes have flooded in to the Evening Leader since we broke the news yesterday.

Eric Speed, Wepre Rangers manager, said in a statement: "Dave had recently returned to the club after taking a few months out and was looking forward to the season ahead.

"He played in goal and was an excellent keeper.

"He joked in the changing room that he was too old to play outfield and was more than happy to finish his playing career in goal.

"Dave enjoyed a close knit company of friends and was recently best man at a local wedding.

"His death has been a tragic blow to all those who know him, he will be sorely missed.

"On behalf of the Clwyd League and his club, Wepre Rangers, I would like to offer our profound condolences to Dave's family. Our thoughts are with them at this sad time."

Mr Gellett was an employee at Challenger Mobile Communications, Deeside and a former worker at BT, Chester and colleagues have paid tribute to him through the Evening Leader website.

Nathan Sheady, a worker at BT, said: "Sorry to hear about the shocking news about Dave. He made a lot of good friends in BT, many of which continued friendships after he left. Our thoughts go out to all of his family."

Paul McElroy, of Challenger, said: "Took a while to get to know you properly Dave with your dry sense of humour, but it was worth it in the end, mate.

"Going to miss us having a laugh in work and at the gym together. Take care mate, you will be missed more than you would ever realise."

Hollie Connah, of Challenger, added: "There just aren't enough words to explain the pain and loss.

"I have no idea why life is so cruel, to take you away from us like this. You really were one of the special ones, who I'm sure people admired, were proud of and looked up to.

"It was a pleasure just to know you and I only wish it had been for longer. I will miss your cheeky smile, it just isn't the same without you.

"You are in our thoughts and hearts for now and forever Dave."

Katie Davies, also of Challenger, said: "I can't believe that you have gone. I can't bear to sit at my desk at work, knowing that you're never going to be sat opposite me again.

"If anyone ever asked to borrow anything from you, you would instantly say 'Of course you can', because that's the kind of bloke you were.

"My thoughts are with your family, especially your sister who you totally adore. I will miss you and I hope you are aware of the hearts you have touched, mine included."

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