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Photographer who supplied regional titles dies aged 58

Steve UttleyA well-known freelancer who supplied photographs to several regional newspapers and also served as a football club’s press chief has died aged 58.

Tributes have been paid to Steve Uttley, pictured left, who suffered a massive heart attack on Sunday night.

During his career Steve worked with Johston Press newspapers including the Doncaster Free Press, Mansfield Chad and The Star, Sheffield, and also served as media manager at Doncaster Rovers FC.

The longstanding member of the National Union of Journalists was also heavily involved in Rovers World, a magazine produced by the club and Free Press reporter Darren Burke when they played in English football’s second tier.

Said Darren: “He was a great guy to work with, always fun, always hard working and genuine and part of the club furniture for many years. He will be sadly missed by all at the club.”

Such was Steve’s popularity at the club, he earned the nickname ‘Mr Doncaster Rovers’. His daughter Suzanne still works there as football administrator.

He decided to go freelance in 2014 after 14 years with the club.

Chris Morley, NUJ Northern and Midlands Organiser, added: “Steve was a longstanding member of the union who cared passionately not just about his job and club but about football and his profession as a media worker.

“While wanting to do his absolute professional best for his club, Doncaster Rovers, Steve was always conscious of the ethics of what he was doing and he made sure that those he worked with and was working with were treated in an honest and straightforward way.

“Steve carried out a very stressful role assisting his fellow media colleagues cover Rovers and when he left it was a testament to his character, strong contacts and goodwill gained from years in the trade that he made the successful transition to the world of freelance.”