TRIBUTES have been paid to former Barnsley chairman Maurice Watkins who died this week aged 80.

The former Manchester United director was one of the top sports lawyers in the UK - and he represented Eric Cantona after he famously kicked a fan in 1995.

Watkins was appointed by the then Reds owner Patrick Cryne in 2013 and left the role in 2017 as Cryne was set to sell the club.

A spokesperson for Barnsley FC said: “Maurice was a man of great dignity who held the respect of all who met him.

“He will be greatly missed and all at Oakwell send their heartfelt condolences to his loves ones.”

The club paid tribute to Watkins on Tuesday’s game against Luton Town in way of a minute’s applause - whilst the players wore black armbands.