TRIBUTES have poured in for a popular football manager dubbed “Mr Iron Acton” after his sudden death aged just 43.

Adam Taylor, from Yate, who was the life and soul at Iron Acton Football Club for almost two decades, passed away on Sunday following a sudden heart attack.

His death has left the sporting community in mourning, such was his popularity.

Having joined Iron Acton FC as a 15-year-old, Adam – a Bristol City and Manchester United fan – played until his mid-20s before going into management, steering the reserve side for four years before taking the helm at the first team.

He led the first team to a series of successes including promotion to the senior district league.

Away from football, Adam worked as a manager in an electrical wholesale company in Bristol and was a devoted father to his two-year-old son Jaxon, and his partner’s five-year-old son Finlay.

Chris Sweet, who was convinced by Adam to take on running the Iron Acton reserve team after meeting him nine years ago, said: “Adam was ferociously opinionated to the point that he would wind up even his closest friends and family, but it was always in a way that you knew it was in good fun.

“His smile and laugh were infectious, and he was an incredibly well liked person.

“He knew someone at every club and everyone definitely knew him.”

Chris added: “He lived and breathed football. He dedicated his life to Iron Acton and was amazing in how he led us.

“Even if a game was cancelled, he would always find another game on somewhere that we could go watch.”

Another of the club’s managers, Warwick Andrews, said: “He was without a doubt Mr Iron Acton. He did everything around the club and it will be unbelievably difficult to fill his shoes.

“Everyone who knew him loved him. He was a larger than life character and will be sorely missed by everyone.”

Iron Acton club member Jonathan Wilmot described Adam as a “loveable rogue”, adding: “He was the biggest wind up merchant around. Someone whose banter and sense of humour will be missed around the club and by his family and friends.

“Anyone who met him couldn’t help but feel a warmth to him – a true gent and a man well respected within the local football community.

“His loss is a tragic one and he will be sorely missed by all those who hold him dear.

“The man was a nutter who gave us all plenty of happy and funny memories. He will forever be Mr Iron Acton, the heartbeat of our club.”

Following the news of Adam’s death, dozens of people have posted their own tributes on his Facebook timeline.

Gary Tanner said: “Absolutely shocked and heartbroken to hear about the loss of Adam Taylor. Such an amazing man and the best football manager anyone could ask for.

“I am grateful that I got to spend most of my football years with you, fond memories I will never forget. RIP mate.”

Simon Cole posted: “Normally my phone would be buzzing from the abuse and banter that you would be dishing out while the Gas are playing.

“Tonight it’s so different. Will miss it Adam. Fly high buddy, I’m sure there will be a team in red for you to support up there.”