TRIBUTES have been paid to a talented club tennis player who was found dead at his home in Clifton.
The body of Paul Smith, 53, was discovered at his house in Woodkirk Road by police on Wednesday, January 2.
Officers forced their way into the property after colleagues of Mr Smith raised concern that he hadn't returned to work after the festive break.
Mr Smith, who was born in Hull, moved to Nottingham in 2002 due to work.
His love of sport led to him joining West Bridgford Tennis Club, where members are planning to name a tournament in his honour.
Club mate Roger Bray said: "I and other members of West Bridgford Tennis Club were saddened to hear of the unexpected death of Paul.
"He will be remembered fondly by his many friends at the club as a very pleasant person to know, a talented club tennis player and a natural and exemplary sportsman.
"He played for and captained several teams for West Bridgford Tennis Club in local tennis leagues in recent years; he participated actively in the internal club events, leagues and social tennis; and he recently was a member of the club committee.
"His enthusiasm and enjoyment of the sport shone through.
"He will be remembered as a respected, dependable, friendly travel companion whose good humour and natural sporting ability were always evident."
He added: "I only have good things to say about our good friend, Paul. It was a pleasure to have known him. We will all miss him."
Mr Smith, who lived alone, was an uncle to five children.
His brother, Ray Smith, 49, of Hull, said: "He was just a nice bloke. I don't think anybody will have had a bad word to say about him. He loved his sports, especially golf and tennis.
"We saw him over Christmas and he had to go back to Nottingham to play tennis on New Year's Eve.
"We'd have liked him to stay longer. He's going to be sadly missed by us all."
An inquest into his death was opened at Nottingham Coroner's Court on Tuesday.
Notts Coroner Mairin Casey said: "Mr Smith failed to attend for work on January 2 and, knowing he had an existing heart condition, his employer called at his house.
"When he failed to get an answer, and noticing there was an internal light on, he notified the police.
"The police forced the door open and found Mr Smith lying at the bottom of his stairs with his head against a radiator."
The inquest heard Mr Smith was last seen by a neighbour at about 7am on January 2, when he waved to another neighbour who was out collecting their newspaper.
Ms Casey said there was no evidence of any violence and no suspicious circumstances surrounding Mr Smith's death.
A post-mortem test carried out on January 4 failed to find a cause of death, but pathologists said it was likely to be a head injury as Mr Smith had sustained injuries consistent with falling down the stairs.
The inquest was adjourned to a date yet to be fixed for further investigations.
A date for Mr Smith's funeral has yet to be finalised, although it will take place in Hull. Friends from Nottingham are welcome to attend.
