NON-league football in the South West was left shocked and saddened this week by the death of Saltash United manager Tim Halford, in the early hours of Sunday morning, at the age of only 45. Tim was not only one of the best tacticians on the non-league scene but one of football's real gentlemen, who always had time for others at the expense of himself. His man-management skills meant that players followed him wherever he went, and his squads always enjoyed a fantastic atmosphere, which emanated from his laid-back and relaxed attitude to life in general. In all my years of talking and interviewing Tim, I never heard him utter a bad word about anyone else and his focus was always on football, which he believed had to be enjoyed – by both his players and spectators. Tim came to prominence, as a manager, with Plymstock, where he made the youth side into one that finished as runners-up in the Devon League two years running, as well as winning the Devon Premier and Throgmorton Cups. A move to Saltash came in 2006 and the majority of his squad moved with him, and along with Kevin Hendy, they took the South Western League by storm. Saltash went into the final day of last season as one of three clubs capable of winning the championship. They eventually finished third, but at the Ashes' Annual Presentation night, that was rightly hailed as a great success. Away from football, Tim was a strong and dedicated family man who leaves a wife, Jean, a son, two stepsons, a stepdaughter and four grandchildren. Jean has requested that tomorrow's league game against Tavistock should go ahead, but the club have requested, and been granted, a postponement of next Wednesday's game at Plymouth Parkway. Saltash will be holding a special tribute to Tim prior to the Tavistock game, at which Jean and all the family will be in attendance. Saltash have cancelled all second and third- team games to allow the players, along with the ladies team, to attend the game, with the tribute taking place prior to the 2.45pm kick-off. 'All the teams want to be there as Tim was club manager and not just first-team manager,' said Ashes vice-chairman Colin Phillips. 'All Tim's family will be present and Jean has requested that, instead of a minute's silence, there should be a minute's applause,' he explained. The club would like anyone who wishes to pay tribute to Tim to attend the game at Kimberley Stadium, and if they require any further information, then please contact Phillips on 01752 705645.