A KEY member of Hereford United's promotion winning side in the 2007-2008 season has died, aged 32.

Lee Collins was on loan with the Bulls from Wolverhampton Wanderers and during his time at Edgar Street helped guide Hereford United promotion into League One.

A statement on the Hereford website said: "Everyone at Edgar Street is saddened to learn of the passing of former Hereford United defender Lee Collins, aged 32.

"Lee who was club captain at Yeovil Town this season, sadly passed away on Wednesday.

"Collins was on loan at Edgar Street from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2007-2008 and was a key member of the squad that earned promotion to League One.

"Our thoughts are with his family and friends, and everyone at Yeovil Town at this difficult time."

Collins, from Telford, went on to play for a host of teams including Port Vale, Northampton Town, Mansfield Town, Forest Green Rovers and most recently Yeovil Town (where he was still playing before his death).

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset police said: "Officers attended a report of a sudden death at an address in High Street, West Coker.

"Sadly, the body of a 32-year-old man was located. His death is not being treated as suspicious and has been referred to the coroner. His family have been informed and our thoughts are with them."