FORMER Oxford United teammates have led the tributes to Paul McCarthy as an incredible man who was a leader on and off the pitch.

The defender died yesterday aged 45 of what has been reported as a heart attack.

McCarthy made 35 appearances for United between March 2003 and May 2004.

Steve Basham, who shared the dressing room with him, said: "As a man he was incredible.

"He was someone you could always go to if you needed someone to talk to and as one of the more experienced players he always took time to help the younger players.

"He was a leader off the pitch as well as on it and had really high standards.

"It's absolutely shocking news and my thoughts are with his family."

Scott McNiven said: "Paul was hard as nails on the pitch and one of the loveliest blokes off it.

"He couldn't do enough for you.

"We had a lot of characters in that Oxford squad but he settled in straight away and was part of the family.

"He was much loved in the changing room.

"It's really hard news to swallow, it's only a couple of years since I was on the touchline with him when I was at Hyde and he was coaching with Ebbsfleet.

"We had some great banter, you never think you would lose someone so young."

McCarthy joined the U's from Wycombe Wanderers, where he had been part of the side which reached the 2001 FA Cup semi-final.

Initially arriving on a loan deal in March 2003, the centre back signed a permanent deal that summer.

Ian Atkins signed McCarthy for United and told the club's website: "I had about 15 diamonds there at Oxford, great lads who were a pleasure to work with and all stuck closely together, but he was one of the ones that shone the brightest.

"He was a natural leader and had a great football brain.

"Sometimes I'd just look his way on the pitch and he would know what I was thinking and get the message across to the other players for me."

McCarthy went on to enjoy success after leaving United and he captained Ebbsfleet United to FA Trophy success in 2008.