City legend is mourned by many

The EVO-STIK NPL First Division North club’s former skipper passed on Wednesday aged 31 two years after he was diagnosed with the illness in the lymph nodes. Born in Lancaster and a plumber by trade, he is survived by his wife Kim, his daughter Daisy, and his son Max.

Fans, players and officials from across the league and beyond paid tribute on social media to the defender, pictured, who played 485 matches for the club between his 2006 debut and retirement a decade later this summer. In April, nearly 1,000 fans turned out for the player's testimonial when a Liverpool legends side turned out at Giant Axe.

In an obituary and statement announcing the death of one of the “greatest captains and ambassadors” in the club's history, the Dolly Blues paid tribute to player who was said to be so reliable that former manager Tony Hesketh dispensed with having a mobile contact number for him as he knew he’d never let him down.

The Dolly Blues said: “It is with great sadness that Lancaster City FC have learnt today of the passing away of Neil Marshall, a true and loyal player for the Dolly Blues. Our heartfelt sympathies go to his wife Kim, son Max and daughter Daisy for their devastating loss, also to Tony and Kath on the tragic loss of their son.

"This has come as a great shock to us all, so difficult to comprehend the death of one so young. A tough defender that never backed out of any 50-50 challenge, Marshy developed a reputation in Non-League as a fierce but fair competitor.

“The respect and admiration he held across the leagues was evident as players past and present have taken Twitter to post their tributes. These can be seen on our official Twitter account, or on the Lancaster Guardian website.”

Lancaster City chairman Stuart Houghton added: "He was always a great ambassador for the club and a gentleman. He would always be at training and always at the match. He is regarded as a local hero after he was given trials at bigger clubs but chose not to go."

The Dolly Blues have told fans they will announce the details of their late player’s funeral when known in the coming days.

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