The news of Tony Hopper’s death has prompted an outpouring of tributes on social media.

Readers of the News & Star paid their respects and shared their memories on our Facebook page yesterday.

Fans and friends of Tony’s were unanimous in calling the ex-footballer one of the nicest people around.

Colin Docker posted: “So sad. Tony was a great lad and footballer for his home city. Thoughts to his wife and three children at this sad time.”

Denis McCallig wrote: “Genuinely one of the nicest guys in Cumbrian football, thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this sad time.”

Louise Telford called Tony a “lovely man”. “A credit to your family,” she said.

“Thoughts are with all your family at this sad time.”

Steven Carswell wrote: “God bless you Tony and all your family. Thanks for the laughs, all round top guy and a gentleman. RIP my friend.”

Stuart Rutherford posted: “RIP Tony so, so sad. Gone too soon. One of the nicest lads of our generation.”

Louise Fawcett said: “So sorry to hear this sad news – life can be cruel. Thinking of Tony’s family and friends and remembering the good times at CUFC.”

Louise Fotheringham posted: “So very sad thinking of his family and friends.”

Christine Small wrote: “Thoughts and prayers with all your family at this sad and difficult time. RIP Tony.”

Rosalind Storey posted: “So sad he was a fighter bless him and his family.”

Jason Ruddick said: “Rest in peace Tony my thoughts are with his family at this time.”

Peter Wilkinson agreed Tony was “one of the nicest lads you could ever wish to know”, adding: “RIP Tony, thoughts are with your family.”

Craig Jefferson, on Twitter, said: “Sad news to hear the passing of Tony Hopper, he lived his dream to play for Carlisle United.

“A pleasure to of known him and will never be forgotten.”

Michael Lowry posted: “RIP mate such a great guy taken too early. Thoughts with Sue and the family.”

Rachel Prescott wrote: “Such sad news, thoughts with Tony’s family, it was a pleasure to have known and worked with him.”

Gail Lightfoot said: “So sad... RIP Tony. A beautiful family.”

Kerry Rogerson: “RIP Tony, one of the good ones.”

Doreen Kirkbride, on Twitter, said: “Great lad, good footballer great dad. Thoughts to his family. Was a honour to have known Tony who put up good fight. Sleep tight, the angels will love him.”

Jack A. Swindlehurst posted: “Rest in peace Tony Hopper, such a great man.”

David Barbour wrote: “RIP Tony Hopper. The world is a lesser place without you.”

Eric Green said: “So sad to hear the passing of Tony Hopper, smashing player and great lad.

“Thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”

Tracy Sturgess: “Such sad news RIP Tony Hopper. Sincere and heartfelt condolences to his family.”

Lee Rotherham: “Waking up to sad news. A local lad who done well.

“Tony Hopper passed away. Honoured to have played in the same sides as teenagers.

“Taken too early. Condolences to the family. RIP Hoppy.”

Steve Kilner wrote: “Tony Hopper – one of the very best and one our own.”

Graeme Bates posted: “Awful news about Tony Hopper. Hopefully Workington can turn in a performance to do him proud.

“One like him, of character and determination.”

Baz Beattie wrote: “RIP Tony Hopper. Taken far too early by such a cruel disease.”

Vicci Thornley tweeted: “R.I.P Tony Hopper. You battled MND right to the very end. Truly devastated for your family and friends, sleep tight lovely.”