TRIBUTES have been paid to a former footballer who lost his battle with lung cancer.

Former semi-professional footballer Philip Marsden battled an aggressive form of lung cancer for nearly four months before he died, aged 60, on September 7.

Mr Marsden, from Tonge Moor, worked as a painter and decorator, but gained notoriety in non-league football, most famously playing a part in Chorley FC’s famour 1986 FA Cup run.

Chorley beat Wolves 3-0 at Burnden Park in the first round of the cup. The Magpies had twice drawn 1-1 with Wolves, before famously beating them in a second replay.

They went on to draw with Preston North End in the second round – when the team were again captained by Mr Marsden – but lost the replay 5-0 at Deepdale.

He leaves behind wife Angela Marsden, sons Kyle and Scott, and daughter Danielle.

Despite being diagnosed with an aggressive small cell form of lung cancer, which had already spread to his liver, in May, Mr Marsden would not let the illness keep him down.

His determination saw him visit a customer the same day as undergoing chemotherapy treatment — as well as taking calls from clients in his last weeks of life.

Mrs Marsden said: “Everybody says that when he went into a room he lit it up — he was always smiling.

“At the end he went into hospital and he could not move his legs any more. We knew what was going to happen.

“He just said to me ‘Don’t worry I will fight this, I think I will lose this one but remember I will always love you and always have’.”

The couple first met in 1983, at Tonge Moor Labour Club, with the pair sharing an interest in Rock ‘n Roll music. They married five years ago.

Mr Marsden, who also played for Stafford Rangers and Macclesfield Town and won England semi-pro caps, loved golf, and was a member of Deane Golf Club.

Mr Marsden’s brother Ian, who helped him set up as a painter and decorator after he hung up his boots, said: “He was a great lad and we have lost a really nice person. It is such a shame.”

Son Kyle said: “He meant the world to us all. He was a really funny man and was always having a laugh.

“He was never negative about anything, even when he was really ill.”

After falling ill, Mr Marsden received countless good-luck messages, including one special video from Wanderers legend John McGinlay and former Whites boss Owen Coyle.

Before his death, his daughter Danielle completed a sky-dive, raising £5,250 for Bolton Hospice, where her father was treated.

Ken Wright, chairman of Chorley FC, said: “He was a great leader. He led by example and was passionate about playing football.

“I remember when I signed him. I needed a good midfielder who could score 15 goals a season and he had done that historically.

“He had bags of energy and was different in as much as he would play box to box then pop up and score a goal.

“He was well loved by his team members. I visited him in Bolton Hospice and I don’t think I have ever seen that many people visit one person. Friends, family, former colleagues.

“He was involved in local league football and he also had a single handicap at golf, so he was an all-round sportsman.

“I can’t speak highly enough of him, as a captain, leader and friend. I imagine there will be a huge turn-out for his funeral.”

The funeral service takes place at St Columba’s Church in Ripley Road, Tonge Moor at 10.30am, on Wednesday with the committal at Overdale Crematorium at 11.30am.