Tributes have poured in for Ross Aikenhead after his club Winsford United announced his tragic death.
The ninth-tier football team - who are based in Cheshire - said in a statement: "It's with deep sadness that we have to announce that our player Ross Aikenhead has sadly passed away.
"Ross was a fantastic young man and a terrific footballer. He will be sorely missed by everyone associated with the club, our heartfelt sympathy goes out to all of Ross's family and friends. RIP Ross."
Aikenhead's former club Wythenshawe Town added their condolences, with the young star having been at the team in the early part of the season. They confirmed that a minute's applause would be held before their game on Easter Monday in his memory.
A club statement read: "On behalf of everyone at Wythenshawe Town FC we send our deepest condolences to the family of Ross Aikenhead , Ross played with us in preseason and early part of the current season. At tomorrows game there will be a minutes applause before the game in remembrance for Ross."
Romeo Beckham scores first goal for Brentford with dramatic late winnerNo cause of death has been announced. Winsford's clash against Cheadle Heath Nomads on Saturday had been called off late in the morning, due to 'unforeseen circumstances', though it is not known if this was linked to Aikenhead's death.
Tributes poured in for Aikenhead, with Eccleshall manager Liam Kelly hailing the tragic star. Kelly wrote on Twitter: "That’s absolutely horrendous. Top player when we played at your place, we couldn’t get near him. I send the condolences of everyone to associated at Eccleshall FC to your club, Ross’s friends and family."
Sandbach United added their own tribute. The club said in a statement: "How incredibly sad. RIP Ross, it was only a week ago we saw you on our pitch causing our defence havoc. Our thoughts at Sandbach are with the Aikenhead family and Winsford United."
Fans also sent in their condolences. One said: "This is such sad news to read. Thoughts are with his family, friends and everyone at WUFC."
Another added: "I’m so sorry to hear this. May he rest in peace. Sending love and strength to his family, friends, teammates and all of those at the club." While a third said: "Absolutely devastating news of a wonderfully talented footballer who had his whole life ahead of him. All our deepest condolences go out to the family of Ross and everyone at Winsford United. RIP Ross."
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