TRIBUTES from across Monmouthshire’s footballing community have been paid to a “kind-hearted” player who has died.

Harrison Prettyjohns, who played for many clubs in the Welsh League and East Gwent League, died at the age of 26 earlier this month.

His brother Rory, who has frequently played alongside the former Chepstow School pupil, wanted him to remembered as a “much-loved character and a brilliant sportsman”.

Clubs around the county paid tribute by describing him as a “big gentle giant on the field”.

Thornwell Red and Whites held a minutes silence and formed into the letter H to give tribute, while Mathern FC, Tintern Abbey and Chepstow Town Under-18s also held a minutes silence.

Mark Wilson, a senior player at Thornwell Red and Whites, said Mr Prettyjohns was known by many people in the area for his sportsmanship and was well-liked by everyone that knew him.

Mr Wilson, 54, said: “He played for us here about four years ago and its really affected us here. It has been a really big thing for us to know he has died.

“He was very humble and extremely well thought of by everyone that played with him. We at Thornwell Red and Whites are all thinking of his family and friends at this time.”

Adam Morrissey, one of Mr Prettyjohn’s best friends and a previous captain at Chepstow U18s when Mr Prettyjohns played for them, said no one could have anything bad to say about him.

Mr Morrissey said: “From Year Seven he was one of my best mates and I grew up with him.

“He was well respected, a great player and very into his sports. Athletics, football, you name it - he would do it and succeed.

“He was the most likeable person you would come across. For something like this to happen it has hit home for everyone.”

He added: “He was like Peter Crouch because of his height and Usain Bolt because of his speed. Imagine him like that, at 17-years-old, playing football.”

At Tintern, a match between all the club’s players was hastily arranged with a minute’s silence held before kick-off.

Meanwhile at Mathern, where the home side wore black armbands, a silence was observed before a match against Undy Athletic.

Chepstow Town’s first team, who play in Welsh League Division Three, have officially retired the No10 shirt worn by Mr Prettyjohn’s brother Rory until he feels ready to resume playing.