THE mother of a Gobowen sporting all-rounder who died unexpectedly last week says he will be missed by all that know him.

Dave Hartshorn, a footballer at clubs such as St Martins, Gobowen Celtic, Morda United, and The Keys FC St Martins on a Sunday, died last week at the age of 27.

His mother, Kaye Hartshorn, says his family is devastated by the news, and that she will remember a ‘cheeky’ son who loved his life.

She said: “We’re very proud of the time that we have spent with him.

“It makes us very proud to see that a lot of people had a lot of time for him and he had a lot of time for everybody, too.

“He made everybody laugh – that was his natural character.

“He was 27 and he had already done a lot in his life and he had a lot to look forward to.

“He’s going to be missed by everyone who knew him.

“He was never quiet – if I had to pick one word to describe him, it would be cheeky but in a good way.

“Dave was never rude – he liked to wind us up and see what he could get away with, or ringing us up in the middle of the night to come and pick him up.

“He loved a good joke and he enjoyed life as much as he could.”

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His current and former clubs that played fixtures across the weekend all paid tribute to him, while opponents from across north Shropshire and mid Wales held minute’s silences in his memory.

Kaye added: “It meant a lot to us that clubs across the area took time over the weekend to remember our son and it gave us comfort.”

A spokesman for The Keys FC said: “Dave was a special person, one of a kind.

“Always brightened up the changing rooms, took the time out to speak to anyone and cared for everyone. He truly was one of the best people around.

“We are going to miss you so much. You were not only a player to us, but you were family.”

A St Martins FC spokesman said: “Everyone at the club is devastated to hear the terrible news about Dave.

“Dave had a lot of friends here at St Martins FC, we are shocked and so very sorry about what has happened.

“We send our love and sympathy to his family and close friends at this difficult time.”

A Gobowen Celtic spokesman added: “It’s difficult to put into words how everyone is feeling right now.

“It just isn’t going to be the same without you Dave.

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“The life and soul of any room he was in but in particular our changing room.”

A spokesman for Oswestry Cricket Club added: “As well as being a talented all-round sportsman, Dave was one of life’s great people and he’ll be hugely missed by all who knew him.”

An investigation into his death has been launched.