Tribute After Young Footballer Dies

9 May 2016, 07:50

Clyde were among several clubs who paid tribute to Chris Mitchell, who passed away on Friday at the age of 27.

Mitchell played for Falkirk, Ayr, Bradford and Queen of the South before moving to the Bully Wee last summer, leaving in January for a new full-time job.

A statement on Clyde's website read: "Everyone connected with Clyde was shocked and saddened to learn of the death of Chris Mitchell, at the age of just 27, this weekend.

"Chris featured for the Bully Wee during the first half of the 2015-16 season, after joining the club from Queen of the South last summer.

"He made a significant contribution to the campaign, featuring in 18 matches and recording six assists.

"In January, it was announced that Chris was leaving the club, due to the travel commitments required of a new full-time job.

"Commenting on the news at that time, Barry Ferguson praised Chris for his performances and his overall professionalism.

"Throughout his football career, Chris also played for Falkirk, Ayr and Bradford, and won seven caps at Scotland Under-21 level.

"Barry Ferguson, his staff and the players received the news when they were travelling back from Elgin as a group, and are today still coming to terms with the loss.

"The thoughts of everyone connected with Clyde are with Chris' family and friends at this extremely difficult time. A minute's silence will be observed before the League One play-off match against Queen's Park at Broadwood on Tuesday night in memory of Chris.''

Mitchell was a academy graduate at Falkirk and a statement on the Bairns website expressed "deep regret''.

It read: "Chris was a product of the Falkirk academy having joined from Livingston.

"He successfully graduated before making his debut for the first team as a 90th-minute substitute in a match against Motherwell on December 22, 2007.

"He went on to make 51 appearances for the club between July 2006 and July 2011.

"Throughout Chris' five years at the club there is no doubt his most memorable moment came in the pre-season of 2007 when he scored a famous winner in a friendly match against European giants Ajax.

"All at Falkirk would like to pass on our condolences to Chris' family and friends at this extremely sad time.''

A statement on Queen of the South's website read: "Everyone at Queens is saddened to hear of the sudden death of Chris Mitchell who was a double winner with us in 2013.

"Chris, who scored a penalty in the Ramsdens Cup Final shoot out against Partick Thistle, moved on to Clyde last summer.

"Our condolences and thoughts go out to his family and friends, of which there are many still here at the club.

"Rest in peace Mitch.''

The cause of death has not been disclosed.