A weekly newspaper columnist and football commentator has been killed in a motorway crash which also claimed his wife’s life.

Tributes have been paid to Sheffield Telegraph writer Brian Bradley, pictured left, who wrote a weekly column on non-league football for the newspaper.

Brian, 76, who was also known as the ‘Voice of Doncaster Rovers’ during his tenure commentating on the club for BBC Radio Sheffield, died alongside his wife Judith, 77, after the car he was driving left the northbound carriageway of the M1 and hit a tree.

They both died at the scene after the collision, which happened near Sheffield on Thursday afternoon.

A lifelong football enthusiast, Brian refereed in the local Sheffield & Hallamshire leagues from 1956 to 1965, a pursuit he revisited between 1970 to 1980.

He worked as chief district auditor and a local newsagent, as well as his Telegraph column.

He covered non-league football on a freelance basis for Radio Sheffield for 24 years, and also provided online commentaries for Rovers’ official website between 2003 and 2007.

Brian Jones, chairman of the Sheffield & Hallamshire County FA, told The Star, Sheffield: “Our thoughts at this time go out to Brian and Judy’s family and close friends.

“Brian’s work with and in local football, particularly the County Senior League, over the years has been first class, everyone will also remember fondly his work in the past with Radio Sheffield and, of course, he reported on many local games for the local press.

“A sad day and time for all who knew Brian and Judy.”

Seth Bennett, who replaced Mr Bradley as Doncaster Rovers’ reporter for Radio Sheffield, said: “Really sad news. Brian was always a gent and really kind to me.

“I replaced him as Doncaster Rovers reporter, yet he never held a grudge and was always massively supportive as he traveled the length and breath of the country following Rovers.

“As a kid I remember listening to his non-league round ups and as an adult and colleague I was amazed at the passion at the passion he retained for amateur and professional football.

“A lovely man who departs in a tragic way, but somehow it seems right he leaves with his wife. Rest in peace Brian and Judy and I hope you will have your pick of the game upstairs.”