Tributes have been paid following the passing of one’s snooker’s most well loved and respected managers in the game.

Brandon Parker – a man who did so much for the game of snooker making the sport what it is today – died at the age of 55 after losing his battle with kidney cancer.

In a statement the World Snooker Tour (WST) said Mr Parker made a “tremendous contribution” to snooker for over 20 years, as a manager of players, promoter of events and as a WST director.

Over the years he managed players including Paul Hunter, Matthew Stevens, Quinten Hann Shaun Murphy, Barry Hawkins, Neil Robertson, Ryan Day and most recently Kyren Wilson.

Mr Parker faced tragedy himself when Hunter died from cancer at the age of 27 in 2006 after being his right-hand man through most of his great moments and set up the Paul Hunter Foundation to fulfil Paul’s wish of getting more children involved in snooker.

Brandon Parker. Picture: World Snooker Tour

In the early 2000s, he then made his first ventures into tournament promotion, setting up an event in Germany which later became the Paul Hunter Classic. This helped kick start a surge of interest in snooker in Germany which has developed ever since.

He then played a leading role in bringing the German Masters world ranking event to the iconic Tempodrom venue in Berlin for the first time. The 2,500-seat arena has become one of the most famous on the circuit.

World Snooker Tour chairman Barry Hearn lead the tributes, saying: “Snooker has lost a great friend with Brandon’s passing. His contribution to snooker over more than two decades has been a fundamental part of the game’s success.

“His enthusiasm and drive will be much missed. The entire sport sends condolences to Brandon’s family and friends at this sad time.”

In a tweet Hearn revealed Mr Parker was “instrumental” to him returning to snooker and taking over the sport ten years ago.

Neil Robertson, who was managed by Mr Parker, said: “Absolutely numb to hear my friend and former manager Brandon Parker has past away. We had some amazing times over the years.

“Last spoke on the phone only a few days ago talking about football as always. Snooker’s lost a couple of great characters recently. RIP mate.”