John Kear: Rugby league's great motivator whose influence stretched far beyond trophies

He was one of the game's great characters – a warm, perpetually enthusiastic figure whose presence brightened press rooms, dressing rooms and commentary boxes alike.

Kear possessed a rare ability to make people feel valued.

Players would run through brick walls for him because of the connection he built and the belief he inspired in them; as a member of the press pack, he had a knack of making rookie reporters feel 10ft tall.

That gift allowed him to achieve some of the most remarkable feats of the modern era.

From Sheffield Eagles' astonishing Challenge Cup triumph in 1998 to his habit of galvanising unfancied teams at Wakefield Trinity, Batley Bulldogs and elsewhere, Kear repeatedly coaxed performances from players and clubs that appeared beyond their natural limits.

To show the Wembley giantkilling of Wigan Warriors with the Eagles was no fluke, he repeated the feat with Hull FC in 2005.

Few gave the Black and Whites a chance against a formidable Leeds Rhinos side but one of the game's greatest motivators again inspired his players to a famous victory.

Tributes quickly poured in from across the sport following his shock death at the age of 71, with Hull chief operating officer Tony Sutton reflecting on Kear's impact at the club.

"I and everyone across the club were deeply saddened to hear about John’s passing," said Sutton, who worked at the MKM Stadium during Kear's time at the helm.

"He was a true rugby league man through and through, with a deep knowledge of the game, who always had time to stop for a chat whenever you saw him.

"Like many supporters and people associated with our club, the memories of John’s time with us, particularly that wonderful day at the Challenge Cup final in Cardiff in 2005, will be in our minds today.

"I'm sure many will join us in thinking about John and his family today, and offer our deepest condolences to his family and friends."

For all his achievements in rugby league, many within the sport will remember him most for the humanity he brought to every event he attended.

His smile and infectious personality left a lasting impression on everyone he encountered.

Kear bowed out as a head coach following his second spell with Batley, a career that took him to Paris St-Germain, Wigan and Widnes Vikings. He also had stints in charge of England and Wales.

In these parts, though, he will be best remembered for the moments he delivered at Sheffield, Hull, Wakefield, Bradford Bulls and the Bulldogs.

Among his greatest achievements was saving Trinity from relegation in 2006, using his peerless motivational skills in the closing stages of the season to secure the club's Super League future.

Kear could still be heard telling stories at Belle Vue this season as a matchday host, a duty he shared with his punditry role with the BBC – including coverage of Saturday's Challenge Cup final, his last contribution to a sport he served so passionately.

Although he was a Castleford lad at heart, Kear will also be remembered as a Wakefield legend.

Trinity owner Matt Ellis said: "The news of John's passing is absolutely devastating.

"On behalf of myself and everyone at Wakefield Trinity, we offer our deepest condolences to John's family.

"John was a fantastic head coach, the best communicator in the game and was a huge figure on gamedays in recent years in our hospitality.

"More importantly, John was a lovely man and is a Wakefield Trinity man through and through. His passion for the club shone still on every gameday.

"I will miss his sense of humour and professionalism working the hospitality on gamedays and being stood on the balcony watching the games with John getting his analysis of how the game was unfolding.

"I was proud to have got to know John over the past few years as he was always my favourite head coach since supporting the club.

"I will miss my mate John."

Kear rescued Wakefield from the drop at the expense of Castleford Tigers in a dramatic final game of the 2006 season.

Even so, Kear never lost his love for his hometown club, which he had served as a scoreboard operator as a youngster and later as a player and an assistant coach.

That respect was mutual.

“We would like to send our deepest and most sincere condolences to his family and friends at this very sad time," said the Tigers in a statement. "He will be sorely missed by all who knew him."