FOOTBALL clubs across Andover stood united to remember New Street star Nick Dadds, who passed away last week.

Minute applauses were held by teams across both Saturday and Sunday football leagues last weekend in memory of the popular 26-year-old.

Andover New Street’s game against Fleet Spurs on Saturday was cancelled due to bereavement while his former club, Andover Lions, also postponed their fixture against Netley Central Sports.

Meanwhile tributes have flooded in for the New Street striker, who also previously played for Sunday League sides Arms Athletic and Wallop FC.

John Smith, who used to manager Dadds during his time at The Arms said: “Nick’s loss is tragic on a number of levels.

“His family and his friends have lost someone very close and very dear to them and on a sporting level local football has lost a real character and personality.

“Everyone liked Nick and I’m glad that I got the chance to manage him.

“He scored 20 goals last season and he took home winners medals from the league, The North Hants Senior Cup and The Hampshire Intermediate Cup.

“He’d scored six more this season too.

“The lads will miss him and he has left a big void in the changing room and an even bigger void in people’s lives.”

Fellow New Street player Gary Thorne added: “I’m going to miss you banging in them screamers for Street and on a Sunday morning for the Arms boys.

“Hope you are at peace now big man – Take it easy up there.”

New Street chairman, Martin Tobin, said: “We are totally devastated by the news.

“He is a big loss not just as a footballer but a person as well.

“I send my condolences to his family and friends.”

Reacting to the tributes, he added: “I think it just goes to show that we are such a close knit family with regards to football in Andover.

“I think Andover is a special town in that respect.”