THE family of a football coach who was found dead at the club where he served have paid tribute to him.

Peter Cooper’s body was discovered on Wednesday by his colleagues at Billingham Town FC, who had just returned from a court hearing to discuss the future of the club.

Mr Cooper’s family said his death was not connected to the ongoing legal proceedings involving the club.

They said: “Peter will be greatly missed and we would like to thank everyone for their kindness and thoughts at this extremely difficult time.

“His tragic and sudden death was in no way connected to the current situation at the club.

“The matter of his death will be fully examined by the coroner in due course.”

The 49-year-old, from Billingham, near Stockton, is believed to have told his family he was going to mark out football pitches for Billingham Town Juniors at the ground, in Bedford Terrace.

Police were called, but his death is not being treated as suspicious.

Billingham Town are locked in a legal battle with neighbours Hartlepool United over an alleged £10,443 debt.

The hearing, at Teesside Combined Court, was adjourned until December in the hope the clubs can reach an amicable agreement.