TEAMMATES of a talented teenage footballer who drowned after plunging 20ft into a canal lock have paid tribute to their "little magician" by retiring his shirt.

The Kidsgrove-based Canal Tavern pub team also held a minute's silence before yesterday's fixture in memory of 19-year-old Mike Sutton, below, who died just over a week ago.

The Stoke City fan, of Whitehall Avenue, drowned in the Trent and Mersey after banging his head as he attempted to jump across the Red Bull lock.

The former Congleton High School pupil was hauled from the water by firefighters, but was later pronounced dead at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire.

And yesterday, his teammates took to triumphed over Coors League Division Four opponents Stoke Rovers 4-1 in the first game since Mike's death.

Canal Tavern landlady Beverley Denton said: "The lads played their hearts out for Mike. They were absolutely cracking. He was the baby of the team and he would have been very proud of them."

Landlord Eddie Franklin, who is also the team's manager, hailed Mike as the side's "magician".

The 50-year-old said: "He was a loveable rogue who always had a smile and a glint in his eye.

"We won't use his number 11 shirt again, it has been retired in his memory.

"He was our best flare player. One minute he would be there with the ball and the next he would be off."

His teammate and cousin, Kevin Saunders, says Mike will be missed both on and off the pitch.

The 25-year-old joiner from Kidsgrove, who plays as a striker, said: "Everybody is pretty cut up about what's happened. Mike was a brilliant footballer. He always hated losing and wanted to win every game. He would never shy away from a tackle, no matter how big the opponent was.

"It has been strange to play without Mike and we are all fired up to have a good season for him."

Fellow footballer Wes Holdcroft, aged 24, from the Rookery, says Mike's death came as "a massive shock" to the team.

Electrician Wes, who plays in central midfield, said: "He was a great lad and you could always have a pint and a chat with him after a game. He was a great left winger who had a real burst of pace. We will all really miss him."

The team are also hoping to raise enough cash to buy a football-themed wreath.

Mike a draftsman at Ashbrook Simon-Hartley, leaves a brother Chris, aged 21, sister Kayley, aged 14, and parents Antony, aged 41, and Julie, aged 40. He also leaves a girlfriend, Danielle Littlehales, aged 17.

Mike's funeral will be held at St Thomas' Church in Kidsgrove on Friday at 12.15pm. The cremation will be held at Bradwell Crematorium.

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