MORE than 700 people turned out to pay their last respects to recently deceased footballer Mike Rodman on Friday.

Mr Rodman, known as ‘Raj’, collapsed and died on the pitch while playing for Kingswood AFC on Saturday, January 26.

A community came together to mourn the 37-year-old at St Mary’s Church, Wotton-under-Edge on Friday, February 8 at 3pm.

In a moving tribute to the fallen footballer, more than 700 people attended the funeral, filling all seated and standing space in the church, including the aisles.

Mr Rodman’s coffin was draped with a Liverpool FC flag and floral arrangements paid tribute to his love of the beautiful game.

Rev Rob Axford said Mr Rodman was someone who lived life to the full and helped others to do so too.

He added: "Mike died, of course, doing what he did best."

Four of Mr Rodman’s closest friends – Marc Jenkins, Ricky Walker, Tim Hodgson and Nicky Bishop – gave tributes, including poems, in the eulogy.

They shared memories of Mr Rodman’s infectious smile and fun-loving character.

"You gave me some of the greatest times and the best of memories," said Mr Bishop.

"All the way through these memories all I can see is you smiling and laughing."

"When you left us, you were the happiest you’d ever been."

In an emotional tribute, Liverpool FC anthem You’ll Never Walk Alone rang out across St Mary’s to end the service.

Since the tragic and sudden death, friends and family have rallied around to support Mr Rodman’s partner, Lauren Workman, 23, and their young daughter Eva.

A fundraising event, Raising for Raj, held the day before the funeral collected more than £4,300 for the family.

And Mr Rodman's team hope lives will be saved in his memory after receiving an automatic defibrillator.

London business Avondale Construction have donated the life-saving device to Kingswood AFC in Mr Rodman's memory.

Club chairman Rob Bateman said: "It’s just wonderful. It tells you what to do if you get a patient.

"It means we’ve all got a chance."