Ashley Day, 20, was fatally wounded while hosting a two-night gathering at a rented flat in Digbeth, Birmingham, on 27 and 28 June.

Mr Day asked people to leave the apartment after noise complaints were made in the early hours of 29 June.

He was then stabbed three times in the chest and back by knifeman Gurveer Bhandal, 19, who was invited to the party by a mutual friend.

Bhandal fled the scene and dumped the 22cm knife which was found in a nearby construction site, Birmingham Crown Court heard.

He claimed he had acted in self-defence.

Jurors took more than three days of deliberating to convict him of manslaughter - but clear him of murder.

Mr Day decided to rent the flat and host the party to celebrate being accepted on a university course at Brunel University.

It remains unclear who brought the knife to the gathering, West Midlands Police said.

The Newport County AFC player excelled at football and was also passionate about music.

Paying tribute, Mr Day's family said he would be remembered "for his joyous smile that always lit up the rooms he entered".

"Ashley was happiness," they said.

"His well-mannered, warm aura always made you feel at ease whenever you were around him.

"Ashley was held in high regard by all who met him, and he will be deeply missed by all."

They added: "He hated violence and was always the first peacemaker. His smile was infectious, and his sense of humour was out of this world."

At the time of the tragedy, Newport County AFC said it was "deeply saddened" to learn of the "devastating news" of Mr Day's death.

"Everyone at Newport County AFC's thoughts are with Ashley's family and friends at this time," the club added.

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Bhandal, of Wombourne, South Staffordshire, is due to be sentenced in January.

Investigating officer, Detective Inspector Jim Mahon, said: "Someone brought a 22cm knife to the party. While it has never been proved who did, the dangers of having this knife present has become evident from this case.

"The suspect will now spend a substantial period of time in prison and lose a significant portion of his young life.

"We hope that Ashley's family have seen justice served and our thoughts remain firmly with them as they continue to grieve for their brother, child and loved family member."