A LIFE-LONG football supporter died after collapsing outside the ground shortly before the match kicked off.

Brian Filby, believed to be Hartlepool United’s first ever season ticket holder, was heading for the turnstiles at the team’s Victoria Park ground for a match against Notts County on Tuesday when he became ill.

Ambulance crews were rushed to the scene and 72-year-old Mr Filby, of Billingham, near Stockton, was taken to The University Hospital of Hartlepool, but he was pronounced dead on arrival.

His wife, Maureen, last night paid tribute to her husband, who she married in 2000.

“Brian was a wonderful man, who loved his family very much,”

she said. “He was very funny and used to make me laugh a lot.

“Although we now live in Billingham, he was Hartlepool born and bred. He loved the town and he lived and breathed Hartlepool United.

“His season ticket had the number one on it because he was their first season ticket holder.

“He used to love going to matches, even the reserves. He went to the away games before he got older.

“I remember when they lost he would come home and throw his season ticket down and say he was not going next season, but he always did. It was his passion.”

She added: “He loved singing and I think he was really good, but I don’t think he realised that. I will really miss him.”

As well as his wife, Mr Filby leaves two daughters, a stepdaughter, stepson and several grandchildren.

A spokesman for Hartlepool United said: “Brian had been a long time supporter of the club and enjoyed watching his beloved Pools for more than 50 years. A former season ticket holder, Brian was a regular on the terraces watching Pools home and away as well as at the reserve team games.

“On behalf of all Pools fans, the club would like to pass on its sincerest condolences to Brian’s family and friends at this time.”

A spokeswoman for Cleveland Police said: “The man was confirmed dead on arrival at hospital.

There are no suspicious circumstances.”