FOOTBALLER Gary Doolan died in a road crash on his way home from a pre-season friendly match in London Colney on Saturday. Gary, known as Dooza, played for London Colney Reserves as well as a number of other clubs including Cuffley, Elliott Star, Colney H

FOOTBALLER Gary Doolan died in a road crash on his way home from a pre-season friendly match in London Colney on Saturday.

Gary, known as Dooza, played for London Colney Reserves as well as a number of other clubs including Cuffley, Elliott Star, Colney Heath and Potters Bar.

He was driving back to his home in West London when the accident happened on the A40 in Northolt.

His white Citroen Berlingo van collided with the central reservation at around 6.30pm and he was later pronounced dead at Ealing Hospital.

Only a short time before the accident he had been playing in the pre-season friendly for London Colney against Cockfosters.

Gary, who was in his late thirties, had played for London Colney on and off for the past 10 years and scored the winning goal when the first team took the South Midlands League Championship in 2001.

He was brought to the club by former manager Mick Wright and was popular with players and supporters alike. A minute's silence was held before Monday's match between London Colney and Colney Heath.

Steve Murphy, a spokesman for the club, said: "From my point of view he was a very valuable player for London Colney and really well liked at the club, very popular. Everyone got on well with him.