THE funeral service will be held at St James’ Church, Teignmouth, on Wednesday, for a well-known local footballer who has died from cancer at the age of 42.

Scott Hanks, who played for Teignmouth and Bishopsteignton United, leaves a wife, Sarah, and children Mia and Owen.

A spokesman for the Bishopsteignton club said it had lost ‘one of our greatest servants’.

He said: ‘We will never replace him. Scott was a family man, a footballer, a friend, and a winner – a top man.’

The spokesman added that when Scott joined the team as a teenager they all knew he was something special – big and strong, with a great touch and winning mentality.

‘His arrival sparked an influx of great players and was the catalyst for an up-turn in the club’s fortunes and leading to one of our most successful periods.’

During his time the club won three championships, two divisional cups and numerous promotions, and he was often voted the players’ player or manager’s player of the year. His success continued when he moved to the Teignmouth club, where he helped them to win two championships and three cups.

But his loyalty to Bishopsteignton continued when, in 2008, he was instrumental in ‘operation phoenix’ to save them from extinction.

At first he captained the vets’ side, and then the newly-formed league team, leading them through the divisions as captain, until with the survival of the club at stake, moved into the player/manager role.

‘It was here his strength of character and winning mentality came to the fore, managing the team to success in both the cup and league, and then again gaining promotion in his last full season,’ said the spokesman.

‘

An over-riding memory for many is of Scott only a few months ago leading the team on the pitch, with all the passion and desire that had been there all through his career.

‘Dragging a performance from all those around him and covering every blade of grass, he was still the best player on the pitch that day.’