THE family of Oxford City's Colin Taylor said they have been "overwhelmed" by the tributes that have flooded in following the managing director's death.

The 62-year-old's widow Sue Taylor and two daughters Laura Hextall and Sarah Cooper said words could not express how much they would miss the loving husband and father whose body was found at the Marsh Lane ground on Sunday.

In a family statement to the Oxford Mail, they said: "We have been overwhelmed by the heartfelt comments and messages of sympathy from family and friends.

"Support from Oxford City FC - which was so important to him - and the wider football community, have shown us just how many lives he touched.

"He was a dearly loved husband and father, and words cannot express how much we will miss him."

The father-of-two worked in senior finance positions at Ford, Land Rover, Jaguar, BMW and Rover Group throughout his life while also volunteering for Oxford City Football Club for more than 20 years.

Former players and managers at Oxford City added further tributes to the man they said gave so much to the club, his sport and the city.

The club also confirmed that tomorrow's game away against Marlow will go ahead as planned with a minute's silence in memory of the managing director before the 7.45pm kick off.

Andy Ballard, who made more than 300 appearances for Oxford City as a player, said the 62-year-old had a profound impact on his career.

The Didcot Town manager said: "It’s an absolute tragedy, I couldn’t believe it when I heard about it – it came as such a shock.

"He was a lovely guy and he did so much for Oxford City.

"I’ve known Colin for a long time. I came up through the youth system there and he was always around."

He added: "Then as I became a first team player he was a figure I knew well, right up until the last time I saw him when we played them in a friendly last week.

"We had a very nice chat about the football club and his plans for the season ahead, so the news has come as such a shock."

The retired accountant was instrumental in delivering the £2.1m sports arena which saw a full-size 3G pitch, pavilion and six netball courts opened in Marston in 2012 and has been used by thousands of people.

He also helped set up the Oxford City Casuals – a team for disabled adults and children.

He told the Oxford Mail in 2011 the Casuals first ever game was his "happiest moment" in volunteering.

Former Oxford City manager Mike Ford, currently in charge at Banbury United, said: "I was shocked and saddened by the news.

"It’s a horrible situation and my thoughts are with Colin’s family.

"I must admit, I did shed a couple of tears when I heard about it.

"I worked very closely with him for a number of years and the football club was always the most important thing to him in whatever he did.

"Everything he did was for the good of the football club."

Referee and deputy leader of Oxford City Council Ed Turner said he devastated by the loss of a "lovely man" that the city as whole owes a great deal.

He said: "I am devastated by his loss he was a lovely man, and so passionately committed to the club, and to football for all.

"I can barely remember a time when I went to the stadium and he wasn't there.

"We had a brilliant meeting last Thursday and characteristically it ended with him asking how my reffing was going, and with a hug.

He added: "Not just the club but his city and his sport owe him a great deal and my thoughts are with his family and those close to him."