A football club has suffered a “tragic loss” after their first team coach collapsed and died yesterday, Saturday.

Tony Lamacraft, 51, died after suffering a cardiac arrest in the car park of Stotfold Football Club, The Green, at around 5.30pm following a pre-season friendly against AFC Kempston.

After the game, which ended prematurely due to a player suffering a double leg break, Tony went into the car park because he felt unwell.

He immediately collapsed and club members used a defibrillator to try and revive him while they waited for the emergency services to arrive.

At one point it seemed as though Tony was coming round however he soon deteriorated and even after ambulance crews, including an air ambulance, arrived further resuscitation attempts were unsuccessful and he died at the scene.

Phil Pateman, chairman of the club, said: “It is with great sadness that I have to announce the tragic loss of out first team coach Tony Lamacraft who passed away after falling ill after our pre-season friendly at home to AFC Kempston on Saturday.

“Our thoughts go out to his family and we are all in shock at the moment. The club will publish further details when appropriate. The first team fixture on Tuesday has been cancelled.”

He had been appointed to his role last year and had held coaching posts at many clubs in the area including Knebworth FC and Langford FC.

Tributes have been pouring out for Tony including one from Stuart Biddle, chairman of Knebworth Football Club, who said: “Tony was a first class coach and the club is very grateful for his contribution.

“Our thoughts are with his family at this deeply sad time.”

A spokesman for the East of England Ambulance Service said: “Sadly after everyone’s best efforts prior to our arrival and the team of land and air ambulance crews, the man was pronounced dead at the scene. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this tragic time.”