Husband-to-be dies playing football

Tributes were paid today to Darren Slater who was trying to get fit in time for his wedding to fiancee Joanne Matthews.

He was rushed from Goals Soccer Centre, in Darlaston Lane, Bilston, to New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton but was pronounced dead.

Darren, of Chester Road, West Bromwich, had complained of feeling unwell two days before he died, an inquest heard yesterday.

His father Brian Slater, of Bilston, said: "Darren was getting married in July so he and a few friends from work, one of which is also getting married, decided to get a bit fit for the wedding and have a bit of fun and a kick around – he was a big man.

"It was a works team but his brother Carl joined in. They entered a league and it was their first match. It was only 10 minutes in when it happened.

"He just fell and when they went over to him he was joking about. But when they went to get him up he just collapsed and was unconscious."

The game took place on April 8.

Mr Slater, aged 54, from Dover Street, Bilston, added: "It was an absolute shock."

West Bromwich Albion fan Darren worked as a site manager at Aire Trucks Bodies, in Dudley Port. Mr Slater said: "I went to his workplace last Saturday. The managing director came down from Leeds and from the factory floor to management, they were upset. They held a one minute's silence and will be closing the factory for the funeral."

Darren had been with fiancee Joanne, 28, for 12 years. The couple had paid for their whole wedding which was due to take place on July 11.

Joanne, from Peters Street in Hill Top, said: "I am just heartbroken. Darren was a lovely, bubbly character and he was a great person to be around.

"At the moment, words do just not comprehend exactly what has happened, it is just such a shock to us."

Darren's funeral will take place on April 24 at West Bromwich Crematorium, in Newton Road.