Tributes paid to 'lovely' school caretaker

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Isabella BonehamWest Midlands

News image — Flowers have been left outside Stoke Primary School

BBC Flowers and tributes are displayed on the railings outside Stoke Primary School in Coventry. Bouquets have been placed along the brick wall and gates at the school entrance beneath a large tree on a sunny day. The school's red sign and entrance gates are visible in the foreground. — Flowers have been left outside Stoke Primary School

Tributes have been paid to a primary school caretaker and football coach who died on Tuesday.

Flowers have been left outside Stoke Primary School in Coventry for caretaker John Halford, who one parent said was "so caring, looked out for everybody and will be so missed".

Another parent told the BBC her daughter and son "loved him", adding "he was a lovely man and was outside the school every morning to greet everyone".

Matthew Ascroft, headteacher, said in a statement: "John was a valued member of our community and we are working our way forwards."

Halford was also the manager of Coventry Sphinx Football Club's Under-16 Girls Team and Coventry United Football Club's Under-21 side, who said in a statement: "It is with great sadness and broken hearts that Coventry United's U21s are posting about the passing of one of their coaches.

"John leaves a massive gap that will never be filled. His infectious smile and exceptional knowledge of the game cannot be rivalled."

It added: "John leaves behind a grieving family who we want to pass our deepest condolences to and to let them know the door at Coventry United is always open should any of them need us."

Bouquets of flowers tied to metal railings outside Stoke Primary School in Coventry. The floral tributes, including roses, chrysanthemums and white blooms, are accompanied by handwritten messages attached to the bouquets. The flowers have been placed along a brick wall beneath the school fence as a memorial tribute on a sunny day. — One parent of children at the school told the BBC he was a "lovely man"

Halford also previously played for Bedworth United Football Club.

Bedworth United said: "Everyone at the club would like to send their condolences to John's family and friends.

"It's tragic news. Football has lost a great person."

Jamie Lenton, Bedworth United's first-team manager, said Halford was "a good guy, a fantastic footballer and a very tough centre midfielder".

"He'd be the first person after the game to shake your hand and want to go and have a drink in the bar afterwards," he said.

"He was a really good bloke."

Supplied A cropped team photograph showing football players wearing green-and-white striped jerseys arranged in rows for a squad photo. The players are posed facing the camera. — John Halford played for Bedworth United Football Club

Billy Holywood, who managed Halford at Bedworth United during the 1996-97 season, described him as "a character both on and off the pitch".

"You could guarantee he would give 100% and run through a brick wall for you," he said.

"He was such a likeable character and a nice lad. It's just a real shock."

Emergency services were called to Stoke Primary School in Coventry at around 07:30am BST on Tuesday, and shut the site. The school reopened on Thursday.

West Midlands Police said officers were called to the school on Briton Road where a man was found injured but, despite efforts, nothing could be done to save him.

The force said the death is not being treated as suspicious, and a file will be prepared for the coroner.

The BBC has approached Coventry Sphinx Football Club.

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