A TEENAGER accused of murdering pensioner Dickie Percival admitted unlawfully killing him with a hammer, a court heard.

The 17-year-old youth, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, is alleged to have murdered 71-year-old Richard Percival at his home in Newton-le-Willows on Friday.

Dickie, as he was known, was found dead at the house in Dixon Avenue after the attack.

The 'club legend' who served The Warrington District Football League for more than two decades died after suffering a fatal blow to the head, a post-mortem examination confirmed.

The defendant appeared at Liverpool Crown Court in custody after first appearing in the youth court facing charges of murder and stealing £620 cash belonging to Mr Percival.

Family members of the teenager, who included his father, sat in the public gallery and some were visibly upset during the proceedings.

The youth, who was wearing a grey T-shirt, did not enter any pleas during the hearing but Michael Stephenson, prosecuting, said that the teenager admits striking the victim to the back of head with a hammer.

Defence solicitor Paul Potter confirmed 'he admits striking fatal blows'.

Judge David Aubrey, QC, fixed a provisional trial date, expected to last three to four days, beginning on February 12.

The defendant was further remanded in custody until September 18 when he is expected to enter his pleas.

No application was made for bail.

A second man - 29 year-old from the Newton-le-Willows area - was arrested this morning, Monday, on suspicion of assisting an offender.

The man is currently in custody where he will be questioned by detectives later today.

In a statement, the Warrington District Football League said: "It is with great sadness that we announce the death of a League Legend Richard Percival (Dickie) who passed away.

"Dickie, as he was known by many, was a great servant to The Warrington District Football League with 21 years’ service on the committee and gaining lifelong membership.

"Dickie will be sadly missed by everyone involved with grassroots football and especially the league."

In a statement Vulcan FC said: "Richard, known to all as Dickie, was a tremendous servant to the club both on and off the pitch.
"Dickie began his playing career in the 1960s and continued playing into his 40s.

"Dickie took on the role as club secretary and kept this role well into his 60s.

"Dickie was a regular at Vulcan games both home and away.

"When not attending games Dickie kept in regular contact with the Club, checking on how things were going.

"Dickie was also a great servant to The Warrington District Football League with 21 years’ service on the committee and gaining lifelong membership.

"Dickie will be sadly missed by everyone involved with Vulcan FC.

"A minute's silence will be observed at our first team home game on Tuesday."

Friends and former team-mates turned to social media to share their memories of Dickie.

Phil Smith said: "Woken up to sad news that a true local football legend who dedicated his whole life to local football sadly passed away the game has lost a true friend and servant to the game who gave so much a real gent that will be sadly missed. RIP Richard Percival."

Danny Jones added: "RIP Mr Vulcan."

Paul Gregory said: "RIP Dickie. He was a lovely man. He was a very good player and clubman. It's awful news."