A FORMER Albion defender and midfielder who played for the club 160 times will be missed by family, friends and fans.

Steve Piper, who was born in Brighton, has died at the age of 64 after a successful football career playing for both Brighton and Hove Albion FC as well as Portsmouth.

Steve, who attended Longhill School in Rottingdean, developed his skills as a youngster in Albion’s youth team, also playing with Tony Towner, another local boy.

As well as playing for the Seagulls’ youth team, Steve also played for both the Sussex and Brighton Boys team.

He played for Albion a total of 160 times after becoming a full-time professional for the club in September 1972, scoring nine goals during his time there.

He made his debut for Albion’s first-team at the age of just 19 within a few weeks of signing as a professional.

Steve then played as centre of defence for the next three seasons.

He sometimes also played as right-back for Albion, while they were competing in the Second Division and former manager Alan Mullery chose to give Steve a chance as a midfielder in 1976.

His efforts in his newfound position were a great success and he is famed for winning the club’s promotion at the time, seeing players compete in the second tier once again the following season.

After a successful career with the Seagulls, Steve moved to play for Portsmouth in 1976.

His time with his new club came to an early end as a result of a knee injury which had a serious impact on his ability to play the sport.

When he returned to the county, he spent some of his time playing for the love of the sport at non-league clubs, including Southwick, Steyning Town, Worthing and Littlehampton Town.

Despite the fact he could not carry on playing football after retiring, Steve still loved to watch football as much as possible in his later life.

He had been battling illness and was with his wife and children when he died on Tuesday, December 26.

His funeral service will be held at Worthing Crematorium tomorrow at 12.20pm.

In a tribute piece on Brighton and Hove Albion’s website, Steve was described as an “unsung hero”.

An Albion spokesman said: “Brighton and Hove Albion are saddened to hear of the passing of former Albion defender/midfielder Steve Piper, aged 64.

“The thoughts and condolences of all at the Albion are with Steve’s many friends and family at this time.”

Worthing FC sent out a message to its followers online after Steve’s death was announced saying: “Sad news today regarding the passing of former player Steve Piper, who’s son Matt also played for the club.

“Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this time.”

Fans took to social media to pay their respects to the former Albion legend following the news of his death.