Tributes paid after sudden death of Staffordshire footballer
A Staffordshire non-league football club is in mourning after the sudden death of one of its players.
Jake Standbridge, aged 21, died during the early hours of Saturday.
The centre midfielder was a popular player with Eccleshall FC, having just started his second season with the club on reserve from Newcastle Town.
The club posted a message on social media on Sunday following his death: “Following Saturday’s heartbreaking news, our thoughts and prayers go to Jake’s friends and family.
“Thank you to our football family for their kind words.”
Shocked friends and members of the footballing community called Jake ‘a big character’ and said the whole team was ‘devastated’ to hear what had happened. And football clubs from all over the country have since tweeted their support as well in the wake of the tragedy.
AFC Liverpool’s official account wrote on Twitter: “The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Jake’s family, friends and all at Eccleshall at this sad time.”
Sandbach United FC also wrote a message on Twitter: “Our thoughts and prayers are with you all from everyone at Sandbach.”
