Cornish football has been in mourning this week following the death of Brian Biggin, a stalwart member of Newquay Football Club who was also a well respected FA councillor.

Brian, who died at Newquay hospital last Tuesday from cancer, was an extremely well liked member of the Cornwall football community and tributes have been pouring into networking site www.cornwallfootballforum.com following the news.

Graham Drew, Newquay’s club’s chairman, said: “This is indeed a very sad day for everyone at Newquay Football Club. On behalf of the committee and the members of the club, we would like to express our condolences to Sandra, Tamsin, Andy and all of Brian’s family.”

“Brian was Mr Newquay Football Club and I think I am correct in saying he held just about every post in the club over the many years he was associated with the Peppermints, starting as a player, then manager, coach, secretary and latterly as a hands-on president.

“He was, as most people know, a well respected FA Councillor and he will be sorely missed by everyone he met.

“On a personal note he was a tremendous help when I became football secretary and latterly chairman of the club he loved.

“I shall miss discussing football matters over a pint in the clubhouse and he was very knowledgeable about everything football.

“Brian is irreplaceable and Mount Wise will be a sadder place without him.”

A minute’s applause was held in memory of Brian at Penryn FC’s match with the Peppermints on Saturday along with many other games across the leagues.

The Cornish FA also issued a statement saying. “The directors and council members of Cornwall County FA wish to express their deepest sympathy and condolences to Sandra and her family on the passing of Brian.

“Brian was one of the nicest and most respected of gentlemen in Cornish football. Every time you entered Mount Wise you looked for Brian and of course Sandra. No visit was complete until you had a chat about the latest news concerning Newquay FC and the clubs in his Division.

“Brian was elected to the CCFA Council in 1995, and served on the disciplinary and senior selection committees, playing a very active part on both Committees. Brian was also very conscientious in his duties as a divisional representative and made sure he visited all his clubs during a season. The CCFA have lost a much respected colleague and a true friend of football.”