Former Notts County defender Michael Johnson has released a heart-breaking statement confirming his wife has died from cancer.
The 48-year-old, who made more than 150 appearances for the Magpies across several spells at the club, said his wife had sadly passed away at the age of 44.
She died from liver cancer and Mr Johnson, who had a stint as caretaker manager at Meadow Lane, paid tribute to his "Queen".
On Twitter, Mr Johnson said: "Thank you all for your kind messages towards myself and the boys.
"We lost our Queen in February to liver cancer, it's heart-breaking to see someone so young, who was so caring, loving and so well respected at work, pass so early.
"We will be OK, the boys have been a credit."
Mr Johnson played for Notts County between 1991 and 1995, before returning on loan from Derby County in 2008.
He then spent one more full season in 2008/09 before retiring.
He took over briefly as caretaker manager alongside Dave Kevan after the club sacked Charlie McParland in 2009.
Johnson is currently sporting director at Limerick FC, an England U21 assistant coach and ambassador for Derby County and AheadInSport, which aims to deliver change to the world through football.
And the football community has rallied to pay their respects.
Notts County Tweeted: "We're so sorry for your loss, Michael."
Derby County Tweeted: "So sorry for your loss, Michael. You and the boys are in the thoughts of everyone at Derby County."
Former Nottingham Forest striker Darren Huckerby Tweeted: "Horrible news, Jonno."
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