Readers have been paying warm tributes to Steve Finney after news of the Cumbrian football star's death.

It was announced on Friday that the former Carlisle United, Swindon Town, Manchester City and Barrow player had passed away at the age of 48 after a short illness.

News of Finney's death led to tributes from across football, including the professional clubs he played for as well as Westmorland League club Ullswater United, where Finney had been a coach.

Swindon, where he was a star player in a promotion-winning season, held a minute's applause before their game against Exeter City on Saturday.

News & Star readers have also been expressing their sympathies at the sad news.

Posting on our Carlisle United Facebook group, a number of supporters paid tribute to the striker who played for the Blues in the 1998/99 season.

Kenny Brown said: "Fantastic lad - played for me at Northbank in 1999 before he went to Leyton Orient. I was with him on Saturday. Absolutely devastating news. RIP Stephen Kenneth Finney. True gentleman xxxx."

John Mcvicar said: "I remember him playing for Kirkoswald when he was about 14. A great talent. So sad. Condolences to his family."

Michael Parker added: "Am so shocked . A decent lad who I played with as a junior and then he had a successful career. RIP and thoughts to his family."

Coinneach Gilliemore said: "I'm sending family condolences. RIP STEVE."

John Ireland wrote: "God bless and condolences to his family," with Heather Elliot adding: "So sorry to hear about Steve, condolences to all of his family."

Readers on our News & Star Facebook page added further tributes.

Anne Benson wrote: "RIP Steve. I remember all those years ago your family and mine spent more time together than enough no matter where you lived - so many fun and happy memories."

Rebecca Hardy paid tribute by saying: "Such a sad loss, my heart goes out to Debbie, Harry, Molly and Steve's gorgeous little granddaughter xx"

Tom Ralston wrote: "RIP big man, one of life’s true gentlemen."

And Stacey Clark said: "RIP Steve, lovely man, condolences to his family and friends."

The Hexham-born player was well known as a star player in Cumbrian junior football, playing as a teenager for Kirkoswald, before going into the professional game with Preston. He later had spells with Manchester City, Swindon, Carlisle, Leyton Orient, Barrow, Chester City and Altrincham.

In more recent years he was a sales specialist with Lloyd Land Rover and then with Ullswater Road Garage in Penrith, and more recently worked as a business development manager with NWF Fuels.