STOURBRIDGE Football Club paid tribute to former player Ryan Passey ahead of their opening game of the season against Matlock Town on Sunday.

Prior to the kick-off his family laid a wreath in Ryan's memory on the centre spot and a minute's silence was observed.

The players also wore black arm bands for the 24-year-old who lost his life after being stabbed in Chicago's last weekend.

Stourbridge chairman Andy Pountney said: "Everyone at the club has been deeply saddened at Ryan's untimely death and into the circumstance as to how it happened.

"Ryan played for our youth team under manager Dave King about six years ago.

"He was a very nice lad and very well liked.

"We invited his family to the game as the club's guests.

"I was delighted by the response from the crowd and I could hear some people sobbing in the stand during the minute's silence, which was observed impeccably."