Tributes poured in for Devonshire Cougars defender Jeremy Deshields, who died yesterday from a suspected heart attack.

The popular local footballer played an integral role in Cougars' victorious 2004-05 season that saw the club win their maiden league title along with the Friendship Trophy.

DeShields also helped Cougars to their 2006-07 Premier Division title and also won the Dudley Eve and Martonmere during his successful playing career.

He didn't figure in Cougars' title triumph last season due to family reasons, but had been due to make a return to action this coming campaign.

Mark Steede, a childhood friend of the talented left-back, said DeShields had been like a brother to him.

"Jeremy was a great individual, always happy and was never down," said Cougars player Steede.

"It hasn't really set in at this moment, I'm just hoping it isn't true.

"He always carried his happy vibes with him no matter where he was. When he came around he would give everyone a laugh, he was the one to make people smile. Everyone warmed up to him.

"I've known him since we were nine-years-old playing down First Church of God.

"We used to play basketball and football in my yard on North Shore, so this is a shock to me.

"I am going to dedicate this year to my boy, he was coming back out this year because he took last season off. I got the privilege to spend Father's Day with him we had a great day. I was even with him Sunday hanging out, cracking jokes.

"I had some great games with him and some fun times with him.

"I will truly miss him, he was like a brother to me."

Shawn Smith, Deshields former Cougars team-mate and coach, said he always had a smile for everyone.

"I can't believe it and was choked up when I heard about it," said Smith.

"I played with him before I coached him so I am just in shock right now.

"He was very bubbly, no mater what the mood in the dressing room was, his personality always lightened up the mood.

"He was always smiling and encouraging his team-mates, and even me when I would put him on the bench because he always had the best for the team first.

"He had faith in his friends to do the job and I just can't find the words. We lost Corey Smith a few years back, so this should make us stronger.

"In his honour we should always remember his personality and what he stood for ."