Tributes to "Voice of darts" Sid Waddell

Sid Waddell Credit: Press Association

Former players and broadcasting colleagues queued up to pay tribute after news of Sid Waddell's death.

Twice BDO World Championship finalist Bobby George wrote on Twitter: "So sad to hear of the passing of the legend Sid Waddell or Sidly as I used to call him. Sincere condolences go out to the family x."

Wayne Mardle, the 2003 World Matchplay runner-up, added: "So so gutted, The legend Sid Waddell passed away last night. Thoughts are with his family right now."

Sky Sports' Dave Clark, who worked with Waddell for many years, tearfully remembered his former colleague on Sky Sports News. "He was the voice of darts," said Clark. "Darts isn't going to be the same without Sid Waddell.

"He had a child-like exuberance, he'd be bouncing round like a young puppy in the commentary box, and mix that with the intellect of Einstein.

"He was a brilliant man, a genius of the microphone - I'm going to miss my old mate, that's for sure.

"I know he's been really battling this cancer for a long, long time and what I hear from the family is it's a blessing that he's gone, but a tragedy."

Another of Sky Sports' presenters, Jeff Stelling, added: "It's shattering news. Back when I was working with him he made more of an impact than any of the players did. He is totally irreplaceable.

"There has never been such a sports commentator to make such an impact. He had a wonderful turn of phrase. He was the leader of the gang and we were all in his gang.

"On the big occasion he was always there - if he wasn't there it wasn't a big occasion. He was the doyen of sports commentating."

Gary Lineker wrote on Twitter: "See that Sid Waddell has lost his fight with Cancer. He really was the voice of his sport. A brilliant, witty, colourful commentator."

Tributes to Waddell extended beyond sport, with former deputy Prime Minister John Prescott tweeting: "Farewell to Sid Waddell - a man who did so much for darts and voiced so many memorable moments. A double top bloke."

Former newspaper editor -turned TV host Piers Morgan tweeted: " So sad to hear abouty Sid Waddell. The linguistic genius of the oche. RIP "