TRIBUTES have been pouring in this week for well respected former County Press football writer Mick Bull, who died on Saturday, aged 93.

Mick, of Shanklin, was a writer whose work spanned almost half a century, contributing to the County Press sports pages with match reports, results, round-ups and other football news.

Mick, who also worked for the Isle of Wight Times, the Weekly Post and the Chronicle-Guardian, before he was signed to the County Press, received a carriage clock from the Isle of Wight Football Association, as it was then known, for his service to Island football. 

Isle of Wight County Press:

Isle of Wight County Press: Mick Bull in his younger days.Mick Bull in his younger days. (Image: Tracy Bull)

He also wrote the popular book, Keep It On the Island: A History of Football on the Isle of Wight 1898-1998.

Former County Press editor and sports editor, Alan Marriott, was among the many who paid tribute to Mick.

"I was delighted to complete the transfer of Mick from the Weekly Post to the County Press in the mid 1980s," said Alan.

"His knowledge of local football and his passion for the-then thriving Sunday League scene, was incredible."

Mick, in a County Press report of June 2009, rated the visit of FA Cup winners Wimbledon to Shanklin’s County Ground in 1988 for for a pre-season friendly, as one of the highlights of his career. 

Alan adds: "I remember him allowing me to phone through the story to the national press, of Vinnie Jones's sending off at Shanklin."

Many other tributes were posted on the Isle of Wight Football and Cricket Nostalgia page on Facebook. 

Grahame Barsdell said Mick had "kept the Island football scene alive", while Kevin Fry said: "An absolute legend and a wonderful writer".

Also, John Adams said of Mick's passing: "Very sad. Lovely chap, was 'Bullseye'. I had many a laugh with him and, his knowledge of Island sport was spot on."

Glenn Steen said Mick was "an integral part of when football on the Island was buzzing — Saturdays and Sundays."

Echoing his sentiments, Andy Woodhouse adds: "A very talented, knowledgeable, witty writer with a great sense of fun. They don't make 'em like him anymore."

"A very talented, knowledgeable, witty writer with a great sense of fun. They don't make 'em like him anymore.