Carlisle United directors and officials have today paid heartfelt tribute to David Wilkes following his death.

The long-serving and highly-respected youth coach died suddenly aged 59, it was announced on Thursday.

And many of Wilkes’ colleagues at Brunton Park have today spoken of their sorrow, whilst sharing fond memories of him.

Manager Paul Simpson described Wilkes as “part of the fabric of the football club”, adding that his passing “left a huge hole”.

“He was a quiet fella who just got on with his job and was always there to offer support in the good and the bad days,” Simpson said.

“His experience of doing every role on the football side was a help, as he knew what we were all going through.

“He will be sorely missed and love and best wishes go out to his family.

“As a club we need to be there to support them through this – he was a big part of our family and they are too.”

Chairman Andrew Jenkins said the news was difficult to come to terms with, and had come as a complete shock.

He recalled how Wilkes had joined United under Clive Middlemass’ reign in 1990, with the former manager recommending the Barnsley-born Wilkes to the club after a coaching course.

“Clive told me that he would be an excellent coach for the youth system and that he might even play a few games for us,” Jenkins said.

“David lived up to those words and many of those young players who were coached by him, whether they made professional status or not, will have benefitted through his influence on them.

“He actually put Matt Jansen’s dad through his coaching course and I know that had a direct influence on young Matty signing for us. Over all the years I’ve known him David has been a valuable member of staff and will be sadly missed also for his humour, of which he had an abundance.”

Assistant manager Gavin Skelton said Wilkes had had a “massive influence” on him in football, having known him since he was nine, Wilkes being his school of excellence coach and later a colleague at Brunton Park.

“He was always someone I could talk to and share a laugh with on numerous occasions around the club, no matter how many times I’d heard the same story,” Skelton told the club website. “He will be sadly missed.”

Billy Atkinson, from United’s supporters’ trust, said everyone at CUOSC were “devastated” by the news of the coach’s death.

“David was always cheerful and totally committed to CUFC and will be greatly missed by his colleagues at the club, and by the many fans that he came into contact with over the many years he has been here,” said Atkinson.

“All of our thoughts are with all of David’s family and friends at this very sad time.”

Co-owner John Nixon reflected on Wilkes’ “cheery welcome and smile” and his “uncanny” ability to spot talent in young players.

“I don’t think that’s a talent you can teach, it’s just something very special, and Dave had it,” said Nixon.

“Through all the years I worked with him he never lost his enthusiasm, and that rubbed off on those who worked with him,” added Nixon.

“Away from football he was always great company, with so many stories to share, some funny and some with real meaning.

“This is such a loss, we will all miss him dearly.”

Former community boss and current club ambassador John Halpin described his former colleague as a “real character” with “a magnificent laid-back approach” as well as an excellent coach.

“We worked very closely together during the Jimmy Glass season, and I learned so much off him,” added Halpin. Although it was a difficult period at the club Dave always worked with enthusiasm and could see the funny side in any situation. We will all miss him greatly.”

Chief executive Nigel Clibbens admitted the news was hard to come to terms with and that Wilkes had “put his heart and soul” into the Blues over many years, while finance director said the coach had been “a constant source of warmth and support, always with a positive outlook and a contagious laugh.

“Dave was there for everyone in many different ways, and always made time for people. He was such a big character around the club, stories from his playing and coaching days always kept us entertained. He will be a huge miss to us all.”

More tributes are on United’s website HERE