TRIBUTES have been paid to a much-loved Inverclyde football coach who has tragically died at the age of just 25.

Josh Turner passed away suddenly in Colorado, USA, where he emigrated to three years ago with his family.

The ex-Broomhill Boys’ Club coach died suddenly from a heart condition that neither he nor his family were aware he had.

The former Ardgowan Primary and Greenock Academy pupil was passionate about football coaching and had a spell working with MLS side Colorado Rapids.

Josh coached girls and boys teams in the USA after cutting his teeth at Broomhill Boys’ Club in Greenock under the guidance of his mentor Gerry Bradley.

He attained SFA coaching badges and also gained qualifications in the States, where he worked with a number of clubs.

Devastated dad Thomas, who lives in Greenock, said: “Josh was very well liked and appreciated, he did a good job.

“He achieved so much and football coaching was his main love. It gave him great enjoyment and he had a real passion for it.

“On behalf of the family in Scotland, the United States and Ireland, thanks to everyone for all their kind messages of support.”

Josh was a huge Celtic fan and the club have installed two paving stones at Parkhead in his memory.

As well as coaching, he had a dream of setting up his own business in honour of his Hoops heroes.

Josh passed away suddenly on February 4 and his funeral took place on Valentine’s Day – a month short of his 26th birthday.

Some of the youngsters he worked with  paid tribute to their beloved coach at the service.

Thomas added: “The boys and girls did him proud with their speeches. It took a lot of courage for them to do that.”

Tributes have been pouring on to an online page set up in Josh’s memory by friends and family.

One of his former players in Colorado, Tiel Lundy, wrote: “I played with him for two seasons, and I learned so much about soccer. He was truly amazing.

“He knew that everyone was special, he never gave up on anyone and he was so, so patient. He was kind yet constructive, and I never got to thank him for everything that he taught me.

“I will never forget the kindness in his heart and his love for soccer.”

Josh is survived by his mother Andrea, his father, his step-dad Lawrie, step-mum Carolanne, brothers Lawrie and Lino, sisters Eva and Stephanie, grandparents Lino and Margaret and Thomas and Sheila.

In a statement, his family said: “He began his coaching in 2009 with Broomhill Boys’ Club and went on to obtain his Scottish Football Association coaching licenses, something he was extremely proud of, with the guidance of mentor Gerry Bradley.

“Josh emigrated to Denver, Colorado, in 2014 after which he was successful in several soccer coaching roles with teams including Colorado Rapids, Broomfield Soccer Club, Soccer Shots and Challenger Sports.

“He spent time working to build his own business, Celtic Soccer Club Colorado.

“On his days off he found great enjoyment in spending time coaching his brothers, sisters and cousins.”