TRIBUTES have been paid to well-known former Sussex non-league manager Steve Johnson, who has died aged 60.

Johnson managed Burgess Hill, Arundel, Ringmer, East Grinstead and Crowborough Athletic among other clubs.

He was No. 2 at Lewes to Jimmy Quinn while he also managed Latvia under-18s when brother Gary was in charge of their national team from 1999 to 2001.

In a statement Arundel said: "Arundel FC are sad to announce that ex-manager Steve Johnson has passed away aged only 60.

“Steve was one of football's true characters and with good football contacts at professional level, he was able to have a good crop of quality players at his disposal.

"Steve was manager when Arundel won the John O'Hara League Cup in 2003-04. He will be sadly missed by the many friends he made during his management days, and our condolences go out to his family at this very sad time. RIP Steve."

The Hillians tweeted: “The club are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of ex-Hillians manager, Steve Johnson. Our thoughts are with Steve’s close friends & family.”

Steve came from a footballing family. His father, Ron, was one of the country’s leading osteopaths, working at two Olympic Games and three World Championships while their uncle Mel was chief scout at QPR.

Brother Gary is manager of Cheltenham while nephew Lee is boss of Bristol City.

Cheltenham tweeted: "The thoughts of everyone at @CTFCofficial are with our manager Gary Johnson and his family after the passing of his brother Steve earlier this week.

“Steve was a popular figure at the Robins and frequent visitor to Whaddon Road where he will be missed by many.”

Nephew Jack, who played for Steve at Ringmer, is now an Academy coach at Fulham.

He tweeted: "Growing up when he turnt (sic) up to visit you knew you was in for a few laughs.

"Every season I played for him with or without his touch line bans and every time I went on to the golf course with him I definitely knew I was in for a few laughs. Just hope he knew how much he meant to me."

Steve, who played for Brentford, Leicester and Southampton, passed away on Tuesday.