ROB Gorski, Stalybridge Celtic’s chairman, has paid an emotional tribute to former player James Dean who has been found dead aged 35 after being reported missing.
Dean, who made 26 appearance for Celtic in 2007-08, pointed out Dean’s death was ironically at the start of Mental Health Awareness Week.
Mr Gorski said: “We all have issues and sometimes feel we carry the weight of the world on our shoulders.
“But it takes a tragic event like this to put our own problems into perspective.
“The Stalybridge Celtic family has recently lost two people in tragic circumstances, the other long-standing supporter Andy Cowley.”
Mr Gorski, who got to know Dean well during his spell at Bower Fold, said: “I saw a quote from a tribute which perfectly described James as a ‘sleeping giant’.
“He was tall, muscular and a black belt in karate who took no prisoners on the pitch.
“In the bar afterwards, however, he was polite, approachable and a really nice guy and gentle giant.”
Dean was initially signed by Celtic on loan from Bury making his debut in a 3-0 home win against Boston United in National League North on November 17, 2007.
After Bury terminated his contract in early 2008, Dean signed permanently for Celtic helping them finish third. They lost to Barrow in the promotion play-off final.
Dean, an English champion kick boxer during his early non-league football days, scored eight goals for Celtic and left at the end of the season joining Hyde United for whom he made eight appearances.
He was reported missing in Oswaldtwistle on Wednesday, May 5 and his body was found in the town four days later.
The death is not being treated as suspicious and a post-mortem examination will take place in due course. A file will be prepared for HM Coroner and the matter will proceed to inquest.
A tribute read: “As a family we are utterly heartbroken, and we can’t believe our James has really gone. We are still hoping he will walk back through the door and give us one of his smiles.
“James was a loving father to his boys, a son, grandson, nephew and a brother and he will be desperately missed by so many.
“He was such a genuine and gentle person who would go out of his way to help anyone who needed it
“We would like to thank everyone in the community who has helped in the search for James over the last few days and everyone at Brave Church for their love and support.
“We would also ask that people please don’t speculate about what happened to James as it’s not fair for us as a family – especially his boys – to read these things. The truth will come out in good time.
“While we are touched by all the lovely things people have said about James, we would ask that we are now left in peace to try and come to terms with what has happened.”
Dean began his playing days at Great Harwood Town in 2003 alongside future Premier League player Matt Derbyshire.
After spells at Clitheroe an Northwich Victoria, Dean signed for Bury in 2007 making four league appearances for the Shakers.
Dean’s contract with Bury was terminated in February 2008 after which he signed for Celtic permanently.
There were spells at Hyde, Harrogate Town, FC Halifax Town and AFC Fylde before a hugely successful three years at Chorley where he scored 60 goals in 130 appearances and helping them win promotion to National League North in his first season at the club.
Dean, who had a loan spell at Ashton United from Chorley, played for Warrington Town, two spells at Padiham, Trafford and Bamber Bridge.