Whitstable Town manager Marcel Nimani pays tribute to popular club volunteer Matt Milne – father-of-two and husband of director and club secretary Francesca Milne – after his death

Manager Marcel Nimani says it has been a heart-breaking week for Whitstable Town after the sudden death of a hugely popular club volunteer.

The Southern Counties East Premier Division side announced the death of under-14s East Kent Youth Football League boss Matt Milne - husband of director and club secretary Francesa Milne - on Monday night.

That has led to a wealth of emotional tributes flooding in for the 43-year-old father, taken ill on a flight home from a work trip before his passing.

Nimani said: “It’s heart-breaking, really.

“It’s been a heart-breaking week for the club. We’re very good at hosting teams, clubs are always complimentary about us and enjoy their stay, and Matt was the heartbeat of all that.

“He was the very first person to welcome me at the club. We became good friends. He was an incredible guy.

“His legacy - his warmth and his kind way of welcoming people - it’s up to us to carry that on now.”

Milne leaves behind son Will and daughter Annabel, as well as Francesa.

“Our whole-hearted condolences go to Fran, Will and Annabel,” added Nimani.

“They’re an incredible family.

“Fran is an incredible individual who works tirelessly for the club. She’s going through a lot at the moment and we want to honour Matt’s legacy as much as possible.

“This week, our whole focus is on the club. We need to do right by our club.”

The Oystermen suffered a 3-0 away defeat to Tunbridge Wells last weekend, but Nimani is remaining calm.

“It was very, very disappointing,” he reflected. “We have had a really disappointing seven days.

“It’s been a tough week for us as a first team and the club overall.

“On the pitch, ultimately, we select the players and make the decisions of who starts where.

“We, as a management team, are