Ex-Premier League footballer who died of a heart attack on family holiday hailed as ‘one in a million' dad by heartbroken pal

29.01.2022 - 20:41 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Steve Talboys was a former Premier League footballer who died suddenly when he was on holiday in Spain with his family two-and-a-half years ago.

The 52-year-old was fit and healthy, he regularly exercised and two years prior to his death, had cut out alcohol.

Devoted dad-of-three Steve committed his time and energy to youth football in his local community, and managed his sons' local football team.

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But in July 2019, he suffered a fatal heart attack, which devastated the lives of those who knew and loved him.

His sudden death was a total shock for his family and friends.

One of his good pals Jim Rainford, from Bramhall, who he started working with 10 years ago, hails Steve as ‘one in a million’.

The former Wimbledon midfielder, who also played under ex-England manager Graham Taylor for Watford, cannot be compared to anyone else, Jim says.

To honour Stixy - as Steve is affectionately known by many after his skinny legs from his Premier League days playing for Wimbledon - Jim is taking on a gruelling 100km trek across the Sahara Desert this year.

It was postponed twice due to coronavirus travel rules, but Jim, 36, who now has a baby son of his own, hopes the challenge can finally be completed this year.

“People use the phrase ‘one in million’ a lot and it sounds cheesy, but the guy was truly a unique character,” Jim said on the phone, as he played with his 16-month-old in the park.

“He was very charismatic, funny, had great relationships with anyone.

“He was one for a good story, he had so many tales from his football days, people genuinely saw him as one of a kind.”

The pair worked together at