"I wish I had the chance to tell him so..." Steve Jagielka's former captain, housemate and title-winning team-mate Andrew Tretton

‘Jags’ was a firm favourite with supporters and team-mates at Gay Meadow. He made 207 appearances for the first team, part of a select group to pass the double century.

The wide midfielder, who was born in Manchester and joined Shrewsbury as a youngster from Stoke, spent six years at Town between 1997 and 2003 and was involved in memorable occasions including the Great Escape at Exeter in 2000 and the FA Cup giant-killing over Everton in 2003.

Jagielka, who lived locally in Rodington, went on to enjoy success at AFC Telford United and turned out for Market Drayton Town and Ellesmere Rangers.

The midfielder’s former Salop captain Andrew Tretton, with whom he also enjoyed Conference title-winning success at Accrington Stanley in 2006, admits he owed a lot to his close friend.

Tretton said: “I’m absolutely devastated to hear of the passing of my good friend and ex team-mate Jags.

“He was a lovely guy and helped me so much when I first came to Shrewsbury, and in the years to follow, and I’ll always be grateful to him for that, and I wish I had the chance to tell him so.

“My heart goes out to his family at this incredibly sad time, and he will be greatly missed by so many.”

Tretton fondly recalled his former housemate's iconic silver boots and blonde highlights.

Town midfielder Dave Edwards was coming through the youth ranks during Jagielka’s time at the club.

Edwards revealed that Jagielka was a big favourite of his watching from the terraces at Gay Meadow and important in helping him settle in the first team. Edwards said: “Absolutely devastating news about Jags. I loved watching him from the terraces and he was great with me when I got into the first team. A Salop legend and great guy. My thoughts and condolences are with his family. RIP mate.”

Darren Moss, another of his former blue and amber team-mates, added: “Devastating news. So sad to hear. Great guy and brilliant team mate. Enjoyed some cracking memories with him and the superb Shrewsbury supporters. Thoughts are with his family.”

AFC Telford boss Gavin Cowan, a former Bucks team-mate of Jagielka’s as the pair helped Rob Smith’s team win the 2009 Setanta Shield, remembered a ‘great character’ and said the duo had only recently shared memories of playing together.

“I am absolutely devastated to hear of the passing of my friend & ex-team mate Jags,” Cowan said. “Only recently we shared some memories of our playing days together. He was a great character to be around. My heart goes out to his children & family, he will be incredibly missed.”

The winger joined younger brother Phil at Sheffield United after leaving Town in 2003, but did not make an appearance for the Blades. He moved on to Conference side Accrington Stanley and played a significantly role in their historic rise into the Football League.

Jagielka’s Town endured some difficult times on the pitch and he was part of the side that were relegated from the league in 2003, but the outpouring of love from fans and former team-mates yesterday showed an adopted Salopian who was very much in their hearts both then and now.