Tributes have flooded in after news broke of the passing of Danny Fullbrook, the chief football writer of the Daily Star.

Fullbrook died from cancer at the age of 40.

Fullbrook was well known to fans and players both as a writer and as a regular and forthright guest on TV football programmes.

England coach Roy Hodgson, who knew him well after Fullbrook spent time covering Fulham - the club he supported - during his time in charge at Craven Cottage, said: "On behalf of the England team and the FA, we'd like to pass on the deepest condolences to the family of Danny Fullbrook who sadly died during the night after bravely fighting his illness.

"I know that many of the room were big colleagues of his and respected him very much for the excellent journalist he was. I also got to know him because he covered the Fulham games.

"We would like to pass on the deepest sympathies to the family."

England captain Steven Gerrard added: "I got to know Danny quite well. I did a column with him and he was a very nice and genuine guy and I'd like to echo what the manager said and pass on my sympathies and condolences to Danny's family."

He was well known to the game's biggest names, and David Beckham and Frank Lampard both contacted him during his illness to offer their support.

Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand was among those expressing their sadness at Fullbrook's death on Monday.

Ferdinand wrote on Twitter: "RIP Danny Fullbrook, thoughts are with his family at this difficult time."