WITNEY are mourning the loss of club legend Dave Wicks.

The 64-year-old died after testing positive for coronavirus, while he was recovering from a stroke, prompting a flood of tributes.

Wicks had been involved with Witney since the early 1970s and the most recent of his roles was as club steward.

Chairman Bob Fisk said: “The place will never feel the same again, he was one of the heartbeats of the club.

“His life was the club and he can be truly proud of what he achieved.

“I’m sure in different times Witney wouldn’t have ever seen such a big funeral and wake.

“My thoughts are with his family and friends at these horrible times as the (coronavirus) restrictions have affected our ability to show our respects.

“I have no doubt there will be a celebration of his life at some point where we can raise a glass or two to our dear friend.”

Wicks was a tough-tackling player who mainly turned out as a winger.

But it was his work elsewhere which will really be remembered.

Relentless fundraising helped the move to Hailey Road in the early 1980s and he was also instrumental in the club’s mini, junior and ladies teams.

Wicks was also a big part of the tug of war scene, where the rugby club had an outstanding team.