Former Carlisle United players are among those paying heartfelt tributes to Andrew Jenkins.

A number of ex-United stars have spoken of their sadness at the former owner and chairman's death, and their great respect for his lifelong contribution to the Blues.

They have paid tribute via the News & Star and through the club's social media channels.

Dean Walling, the iconic 1990s defender, said: "RIP ANDREW. You are the person that brought me to Carlisle Utd from Guiseley as a fresh faced 21 year old. I’ll be ever indebted to you WHAT A GREAT MAN!"

Midfielder Jamie Devitt added: "An amazing man who absolutely loved the football club, had some brilliant stories and loved his glass of red wine - sending love and strength to his family."

Wembley winning captain Steve Hayward described Mr Jenkins as a "true legend".

Goalkeeper Adam Collin wrote: "Very sad news. Such a wonderful man who has done wonders for the club and city!! A pleasure to say I knew him well and I am sure he will be massively missed by everyone connected to the club!!"

Don O'Riordan, who starred for United in the 1980s, said: "Such sad news about chairman Andrew passing away, [he] was a wonderful man and will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him. Commiserations to his family and everyone associated with the club. Thank you for everything you did for the club especially my 2 seasons I spent at Carlisle with Bob Stokoe and Pop Robson. Gone but never forgotten."

Paul Boertien said: "Such sad news, Thoughts go out to his family, Andrew is a Carlisle united legend and will be missed by many. As genuine a person as you could wish to meet."

Paul Arnison wrote: "Very sad news Andrew was a lovely man to me whilst I had the pleasure of playing at Carlisle. RIP Andrew."

Tony Fyfe posted: "R.I.P Andrew Jenkins!!! Mr Carlisle United."

Mike Jones said: "Such sad news! What a lovely guy, proper gent, loved by so many and give everything to a great club! RIP"

Dynel Simeu wrote: "R.I.P sending love and comfort to his close ones!"

Writing on Instagram, Danny Grainger said: "Devastated to hear the news about Mr Chairman. One of the kindest men I had the pleasure of meeting in football. Thoughts are with his family at this tough time."

Paul Huntington said Jenkins was a "great man - thinking of his family."

Mr Jenkins passing was also acknowledged by Jarrad Branthwaite, who posted two blue heart emojis on an Instagram post about the chairman's death.

"RIP Mr Chairman," wrote Chris Lumsdon.

Former United assistant manager Lee Dykes added: "A proper gentleman. His love for Carlisle United meant that he constantly kept the club afloat and allowed the club to survive and thrive. I’m honoured to have known you Andrew. RIP x"

And former Blues kitman Andy 'Bushead' Horn told the News & Star: "It was a pleasure to work at the club when Andrew was our chairman, he would always sit on the same seat on the coach for our away trips and if anyone attempted to sit there they were politely reminded, that’s the chairman’s seat! It will be a hard seat to fill! Andrew was always polite and helpful and will be a great miss around the club. My condolences to all his family. RIP."

Other clubs and organisations in Cumbria have also paid their tributes to the former United owner and chairman.

Workington Reds said: "All at Workington AFC share the sadness with, and send our deepest condolences to our neighbours, Carlisle United Football Club, over the sad passing of Andrew Jenkins."

The Cumberland Football Association said: "Everyone at Cumberland FA sends their heartfelt condolences to Andrew’s family and friends as well as to our friends at Carlisle United FC."

Many of United's fellow EFL clubs, and the EFL themselves, sent messages of condolence to the Blues.

The EFL's chief executive Trevor Birch said: “Everyone at the EFL is deeply saddened to hear of Andrew’s passing and our heartfelt condolences go to his family, friends and everybody connected with Carlisle United.

“Andrew dedicated himself to the club, with over 60 years of service, and he will be sorely missed by everyone who had the pleasure to know him.”