THOUSANDS have paid tribute to a popular non-league footballer whose body was tragically found by police on Sunday.

James Dean went missing last week, prompting hundreds of his family, friends and strangers to conduct a wide-scale search for him.

However on Sunday afternoon police reported the tragic news that a body, thought to be that of Oswaldtwistle man Mr Dean, had been found.

The 35-year-old had a long and successful footballing career, taking on a starring role in many non-league teams including Harrogate, Chorley, Bury FC, and FC Halifax Town.

On Sunday the phrase RIP Deano was trending on Twitter as thousands paid tribute to the man described as a ‘footballing legend and all-round great guy’.

Ex Blackburn Rovers, Bolton Wanderers and England Footballer and former Chorley FC Manager Matt Jansen said: “Absolutely devastated to hear this news. Such a great guy. RIP Deano.”

Former assistant manager at Chorley FC Jonathan Smith said: “Devastated by the news regarding James Dean. A man mountain on the pitch but such a genuine gentle character off it. He put a smile on the face of everyone he met. Thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this awful time.”

Another user Lee Pugh said: “Two little boys are going to have a lot of questions with no one able to answer them. It’s important no matter how big or small a problem is please speak to someone about them. RIP Deano, a non-league legend.”

Meanwhile clubs across the country, including many Mr Dean played for, also paid tribute.

Chorley FC tweeted: “We're absolutely devastated by this afternoon's news - the thoughts of everyone connected with the club are with James Dean's family and friends.”

While a statement from Clitheroe FC read: “Everyone at Clitheroe FC is devastated at the news of James Dean’s death. We would like to extend our condolences to all the family and all his former teammates across football.”

A further statement on Huncoat Junior FC’s Facebook page said: “As a club we want to offer our sincere condolences to James Dean family at this sad time!

“A few of our club members had the pleasure of playing football alongside James - 'Deano' as a Huncoat United player, and have fond memories, and great respect for him!

“We send our love, support and prayers to all who knew him, his family and of course his children.”

On Sunday afternoon, police confirmed that they had found a body which they believed to be that of Mr Dean. A spokesman said: “His family have been informed and our thoughts are with them at this time.

"The death is not being treated as suspicious and a post-mortem examination will take place in due course.

"We would like to thank everyone who assisted during the search for James."