THOUSANDS of pounds are expected to be raised from the sales of books containing tribute messages for Exeter City striker Adam Stansfield.

Five hundred books with thousands of heartfelt messages from fans from all over the world go on sale at Saturday's npower League One home tie against Charlton Athletic.

A hard-back version has been presented to Adam's wife Marie and her three young children.

It will serve as a memento of the popular player who died of bowel cancer at the age of 31 early last month.

Money raised from the sales will go to the Adam Stansfield Foundation set up to promote youth football in the South West and the Adam Stansfield Family Fund.

The books of condolence are the brainchild of City fan and supporters' trust member Chris Ward who runs the Rising Sun pub at Sidford, near Sidmouth.

He said that at £5 each he hopes they will sell really well to swell the coffers of the funds with an initial £2,500.

"There are 55 pages containing thousands of messages in tribute to Adam from local fans and those from all over the world," said father of two Chris, 36, who runs the pub with wife Ceri.

"A hard-back copy has been presented to the Stansfield family and A5-sized ones will go on sale at Saturday's match.

"I have had 500 printed and, if successful, more will go on sale at future matches to boost fundraising even further.

"I expect them to sell quickly and the booklets also contain photographs of Adam.

"The interest has been absolutely fantastic.

"We have messages from fans including those from other clubs like Yeovil Town and Hereford United which Adam played for before joining Exeter City.

"Some messages have come from supporters from PremierLeague clubs and even from fans abroad in counties including America, Australia, Germany and Switzerland."

Mr Ward said it is a way to keep the memory of Adam going, while at the same time raising money for the two funds which have been gathering momentum over the past few weeks.

He said he got the support of a local printer to produce the booklets which have reproduced the messages of sympathy in an outpouring of grief left by supporters on ExeWeb, the fans' message board.

"The master book was handed to City's operations manager Andy Gillard, who has presented it to Marie and her family," said Chris.

"She and the boys now have something which they can keep as their own.

"It is something for her sons to grow up with — it will be a reminder of their dad who was so popular and a big favourite at St James's Park."

Thousands of fans joined the family and former teammates of the City legend at his recent funeral service at Exeter Cathedral.

Hundreds of city supporters braved the rain to line the route from St James's Park as the hearse passed through the city centre to the cathedral.

Chris will be selling the books outside the club shop ahead of the Charlton game, from 1pm.