Alp Sezer and David Dugdale (right) represented the Central London county team together, as well as playing for King’s Cross Hurricanes

POOL players have been paying tribute to “Mr Reliable” David Dugdale, who has died just days after his 60th birthday.

David, known as Reg, was a much-loved character in the Chalk Farm Pool League.

If the King’s Cross Hurricanes needed someone to step up and sink a crucial pot in a big match, then David was your man.

Close friend and team captain Alp Sezer said “Monday nights just won’t be the same” without the charm and laughter that David brought on and off the table.

He added: “I first met Dave through pool about 30 years ago – we clicked straight away and not only did we become teammates, but we also became very close friends.

“Dave was one of the nicest, humblest, most genuine blokes you could ever wish to meet – and he was also a fantastic pool player.

“We joined the Chalk Farm Pool League together back in 1998 and enjoyed plenty of good times and successes, winning a fair few titles and cups along the way.

“We did the treble in 2011 and Dave was an integral part of our success. He was always Mr Reliable, someone you could count on to get us the win in a deciding-frame shootout.”

In perhaps the most fitting tribute of all, the Hurricanes won the Division One title this season in one of the closest championship chases ever witnessed in the Chalk Farm Pool League.

They finished level on points with PJ O’Connors, but scooped the silverware after chalking up just one more win than their rivals during the campaign.

Alp and the Hurricane players dedicated the triumph to Dave, saying it was “one final trophy for a dear friend”.

Remembering their times together at the table, Alp continued: “We also played at county level for Central London and had numerous trips to the national finals together – memories that I will never forget.

“Dave was an inspiration for many pool players for the way he played the game, and he was a great sportsman. Dave really was a wonderful guy, a true gentleman on and off the pool table.”

Dave, who grew up in Islington, died following a long illness. Away from pool he was a postman in his younger days, before moving into security and eventually working as an office manager.

Chalk Farm Pool League chairman Shaun Pollard joined the long list of those paying tribute.

He said: “When I first started playing pool for the county, Dave was the one who helped me overcome any nerves. He gave me lots of support and good advice.

“He was an excellent pool player, but his love for sport didn’t stop there. He was also a very good golfer and played all over the south-east – I think he was a 17 or 14 handicap. He also used to part-own greyhounds and race them.

“He will be sorely missed by so many.”

David is survived by his wife Debbie, children Emma, David and Julie, and eight grandchildren.

His funeral will be held at Honour Oak Crematorium in Brockley Way, (SE4 2LJ) at 2.30pm on Wednesday, July 6