Tributes paid after Amateur League football manager dies

Garry, who was affectionately known as ‘Soupy’, was the boss at Northern Amateur League side Mossley and was well regarded in local football circles.

A message on the Mossley FC Facebook page reads: “It’s with great sadness that we learn of the passing of our manager, Garry ‘Soupy’ Campbell. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time. Rest in peace.”

Tributes were paid on the Greenisland FC Facebook page. A spokesperson for the club said: “The committee and players of Greenisland FC would like to extend our deepest sympathies to all at Mossley FC on the passing of Gary ‘Soupy’ Campbell. Our thoughts and prayers are also with his family circle and friends at this sad time.”

These sentiments have been shared by UUJ FC. “All at UUJ are saddened to hear the news of Garry 'Soupy' Campbell passing this morning," a club spokesperson said. "Garry was well thought off throughout the local game and perhaps one of his biggest achievements came last season when he lead his club Mossley FC to promotion. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and all involved with our neighbours Mossley FC. RIP Soupy.”

Garry, a goalkeeper in his playing days, had connections with Carnmoney Colts. He also managed Newtownabbey FC in the Ballymena and Provincial League and had a spell at Monkstown-based 18th Newtownabbey Old Boys.