FORMER Bromsgrove Rovers player Karl Payne has died aged 44 after collapsing during a charity bike ride.
Mr Payne, who made 26 appearances for the Greens under manager Brian Kenning during the 1997/98 season in the Southern League Premier, suddenly fell ill while taking part in the Dougie Mac event – a 110-mile journey from Stoke-on-Trent to Llangollen in North Wales on Sunday (May 7) morning.
The emergency services had rushed to the scene at Chirk, near Wrexham, but staff were unable to revive him.
Mr Payne is best remembered for making more than 130 appearances for Burton Albion.
He had also played, managed and coached at Mickleover Sports, Belper Town, Stapenhill FC, Ashby Ivanhoe and Gresley FC.
