Mark Carruther's Non-League verdict: Remembering much-admired Michael Taylor and North Shields' FA Vase hopes

But every now and then, something happens that unites the vast majority as intense rivalries are cast aside.

There was a united front on display last week after the sad passing of a much-admired figure across the region.

Michael Taylor, a stalwart of the non-league scene for so long, passed away at the age of 58 and former clubs, team-mates and friends were quick to pay tribute via their personal and professional social media outlets.

South Shields - where Taylor played and managed during some rockier times for the Mariners - led the way, described their former striker as “a huge character” and “a vital figure”.

Talk of “a vital contribution” during his time with the Mariners was not misplaced.

That summed him up to perfection and it would not be beyond the realms of possibility to suggest that without Taylor’s hard work and dedication in preserving their Northern League status, there would be none of the success and ambition that followed in recent years.

The great and the good of the North East followed in their footsteps with the likes of Durham City, Bishop Auckland and Chester-le-Street Town all paying their own respects following the desperately sad news.

Patterns emerged with words and phrases such as “a genuine legend”, “one of a kind” and “a gem of a guy” commonplace as the tributes continued to flow throughout the week.

The excellent Blyth Spirit blog described him as “a true Northern League legend - but the tributes spoke went beyond his impact in football, with one South Shields supporter hailing Taylor as “a lovely guy”.

More tributes followed over the last week when many of the clubs Taylor represented returned to action and there will be no doubt emotions will run high across the region.