TYTHERINGTON Rocks is mourning the loss of its most loyal supporter and favourite "grasshopper".

John Crooks, 68, a freelance sports journalist, Cardiff City historian and the Rocks' most faithful and enthusiastic fan had been following its players wherever the game took them for the past six years when he died suddenly of pancreatitis in Cardiff Hospital.

The Welshman from Newport first saw the Rocks play in 2006 as part of his "grasshopping" duties, travelling from club to club to report on matches across the board, and never missed a single one thereafter.

Tytherington Rocks chairman Ted Travell told the Gazette Mr Crooks had "fallen in love" with the football club. Rain or shine he would come all the way from Wales to cheer the team on.

"We have lost a good friend," he said. "We had grown to know each other very well. It’s very difficult."

He added: "Whatever the weather he was there. It was quite unique for someone to travel that distance every week. It was fantastic support."

But far from just a groupie happy to observe from the sidelines, Mr Crooks shared a piece of the action. Early on, he volunteered his journalistic services and soon became the Rocks’ official match reporter, writing up move by move accounts of the encounters and sending them to the local press, including the Gazette.

"His reports were almost poetry," Mr Travell said. "He was an excellent writer and he was very knowledgeable about sports. At the end of each game, he would pick out the best player of the match and interview him and the manager."

And between visiting England and Wales' pitches, reporting on matches in print and on Red Dragon Radio, the football-mad Welshman still found the time to write three books on his favourite sport including the official history of Cardiff City.

Even though he suffered a serious stroke a few years ago and despite retiring, he just could not get enough.

"When we won championship back in March, he said it was the the best season he had ever seen a football team have," Mr Travell added.

Mr Crooks' funeral was held on March 23 in Wales. He leaves behind a wife, Sue, and a son.

The club is now looking to plant a tree in Tytherington in memory of its most dedicated supporter and friend.