Tributes have been pouring in for a 23-year-old footballer who died last week.

Jimmy James, of Alma Lodge, Llangoedmor, left home on the morning of Sunday, March 15th, but the police were called when he didn’t return home.

Just before midday on Tuesday his body was found in a field in the Llangoedmor area.

A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesman said the death was not being treated as suspicious. An inquest was opened on Thursday by Ceredigion coroner Peter Brunton when evidence of identification was taken and adjourned to a future date.

A defender with Newcastle Emlyn in the Welsh League, Jimmy started his football career as a goalkeeper, won a Welsh schoolboy cap and for a time was on Manchester United’s books.

Paying tribute to him, Newcastle Emlyn manager Mathew Price said: “I signed Jimmy from St Dogmaels in August 2007 and he was a key player when we won promotion last season.

“He always had a smile on his face and loved to banter with the other players.

“Our thoughts at this very sad time are with his family.”

Wayne Jones was manager of St Dogmaels for three years when Jimmy played and won Cwpan Ceredigion in 2007.

He said: “Jimmy was one of the very best both on and off the field. Everyone is stunned by this terrible tragedy.

“His death is a tremendous loss and I know that very many people will miss Jimmy.”

Costcutter league life member and former chairman Peter Davies added: “I’m sure everyone extends their condolences to Jimmy’s family. The football fraternity will always think highly of him and miss him.”

All games involving Newcastle Emlyn, St Dogmaels and Maesglas were called off at the weekend as a mark of respect.

Jimmy leaves his parents Jeff and Jane, brothers Johnny, Justin, Jeremy and Jason, grandparents John and Margaret James, of Llangoedmor, girlfriend Katy, of Aberporth and many other relatives.