PICKERING Town legend Brian Wood, a long-time servant of the club, died on Sunday, aged 73.

Wood featured for Pickering as a player before taking up roles as reserves team manager and first-team manager after his retirement.

Nicknamed ‘Wizzie’, he was also a member of the club’s committee.

Pickering chairman Wayne Taylor wrote on the club’s website: “It is with great sadness that the club wish to announce the passing away earlier today of Brian Wood, Wizzie to us all, (and) our thoughts are with Christine, Mark and Paul and their families at this sad time.

“Wizzie has been a great servant to the club, as a player, first team and reserves team manager, and committee member,

“We shall all miss his analysis of a game at the bar in the Rec, over a pint, but most of all we will miss his great passion for the club

“Rest in peace Wiz.”

Pickering have received hundreds of tributes to Wood since the sad news of his passing broke.

“RIP a true Pickering football man”, said manager Steve Roberts, whose full-length tribute can be found on the club’s website.

Former manager Denny Ingram said: “Such sad news. He was a top bloke. Always told you as it was and had a wealth of knowledge about the game.

“My thoughts go out to the family at this sad time. RIP Wizzie Wood you will be sorely missed but never forgotten. #Legend.”

Defender Niall Tilsley said: “Gutted to hear the passing of Wizzie, a great character and huge personality.

“I will sorely miss being dressed down by him after a bad game, condolences to his family, I’m sure you will put the world to rights upstairs.”

Ex-Pickering striker Ryan Blott said: “Gutted. He was a true man who always said it right and had a heart of gold with a tremendous passion for the game.

(He will) be sorely missed and certainly left a positive imprint on everyone. Thoughts go out to his family.”

“RIP Wizzie. True Pickering legend gonna be missed by everyone,” added former Pike Ryan Cooper.