Tributes continue to flood in for former Walsall Labour leader

Councillor Oliver died on Saturday morning aged 56 less than two days after his party made gains in the local elections.

The Birchills and Leamore councillor had been a member of Walsall Health Cricket Club until 2012.

In a statement the club said: "Legend is a disposable word in this day and age, but Tim is a Walsall Health legend in the purest sense of the word.

"Tim, who was also the leader of the Labour group on Walsall Council, will be remembered as a fiery, committed and supremely talented batsman and bowler whose trademark 'square-jaw' look at crucial stages during games served as an inspiration to his team mates and a warning sign to the opposition about what was likely to happen in the near future.

"He was a man whose snarling and intense manner on the cricket field regularly gave way to a beaming smile which never failed to be disarming, especially when accompanied by a friendly slap on the shoulder for newer players to the fold, which was always a reassuring and welcome gesture.

"He was also famous for his quiet walks around the boundary, no doubt occupying himself with solving the latest political challenge he had to face."

Steve Fell, a teammate for more than 20 years, said: "Tim was held in high regard with everybody who played with him – and with a good many of the opposition who appreciated his never-say-die and combative attitude.

"He could be a hot-blooded player but rarely with his own teammates, preferring to save his infamous 'square-jaw' moments for the opposition.

"The only time he would be annoyed with one of his own players would be if they gave him out - dropped catches and misfields were quickly forgiven.

"He had a sharp mind and I - as do many others - remember the deep and meaningful conversations to be had walking around the boundary.

"But above all Tim was a tremendous fighter and had no idea what was a lost cause.

"This was most obvious when he was involved in a horrific car accident some years ago which left him with multiple injuries.

"Many believed he would struggle to walk again, let alone play cricket. But his sheer determination saw him return to the field and, although he might have lost a yard of pace from his bowling and was a little slower in the field, he was still probably the best player in the team.

"He showed this fighting spirit to the very end when he was clearly very ill and many would have given up."

Labour MP for Walsall North David Winnick also joined the tributes.

He said: "Tim wasn't one that was eager to promote his own personality and he was the last politician you would describe as a self-publicist. That was not him in any way.

"However, he was totally committed throughout his political life to improve the lives of ordinary people in this borough. Tim will certainly be missed by us all."