Heartfelt tributes have been paid to a long-serving Northamptonshire football stalwart described by his family as “Mr Northants Football”.

Northamptonshire FA announced the death of Tony Major, who dedicated decades of his life to supporting and developing grassroots football across the county.

Tony was a long-serving volunteer, council member and former board member with Northamptonshire FA, while his involvement in the game stretched back to playing for Vernon Terrace at school.

His family said football remained his passion throughout his life and he went on to hold numerous positions within the game across Northamptonshire.

In a tribute shared by Northamptonshire FA, they said: “To many he was Mr Northants Football. A man synonymous with his support for the game in Northamptonshire.

“Football was his passion. From a young age, having made his debut for Vernon Terrace at school to holding a number of positions across the county, everybody knew Tony Major. A career spanning several decades.”

His family said Tony spent “many, many afternoons” travelling across Northamptonshire supporting the work of Northamptonshire FA and Northampton Town FA.

They added: “This was a man who could be relied upon. This was a man who dedicated a large part of his life to football development in the county. A county he adored.”

But his family said Tony's greatest pride came away from his work in football.

They said: “Whilst to many he was Tone, to us he was a husband, a father, a grandfather and great-grandfather.

“He adored Christine and his family. We knew that. Nothing made him prouder than seeing all their achievements – and definitely watching them in football!”

Tony's family said the past few years had been “extremely challenging” and thanked the local “football family” for the support they had received.

They added: “Whilst we mourn the loss of the head of our family, we look back with fondness on the legacy he created and the inspiration he has been to so many.”

Northamptonshire FA said it was “extremely saddened” by Tony's death, describing him as a man who “did so much for so many” and made an outstanding contribution to local football over many years.

A minute's silence will be held before all Northants FA County Cup fixtures taking place this weekend in Tony's memory.

The association said its thoughts and condolences were with Tony's family and friends.