Tributes have been paid to an ex-England youth footballer following his death at the age of 39. People have flooded social media to praise Craig Farrell after news of his death was released n Monday.
Craig played for England Under-16 winning three caps. He scored against Slovakia at the 1999 European Under-15 Championships, reports Teesside Live.
He was born in Middlesbrough and signed with his local club as a youth then moved on to Leeds United. While he did not make an appearance for either side he went on to have a distinguished career playing for clubs including Carlisle, Exeter City, York City and Rushden and Diamonds.
Following his death many of his former clubs turned to social media to pay tribute.
Carlisle United posted on Facebook: "Devastating news as we say farewell to Craig Farrell - our thoughts are very much with his loved ones."
In a post on its website Chairman Andrew Jenkins said: “I am so sorry to hear this news, Craig was such a likeable young man and I think it’s fair to say we all wanted him to do well when Roddy [Collins] brought him over from Leeds.
“He impressed everybody with his attitude and he settled quickly, scoring some good goals through his first season with us. I remember him as someone who got his head down and worked hard, and I think we can all agree that 39 is such a young age. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this very sad time.”
Manager Paul Simpson added: “This is incredibly sad news. He was a really decent bloke and was a good lad to have in the group.
"I speak on behalf of everybody at the club when I say that our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
Oxford United also paid tribute on its website on Monday. It said: "Oxford United are saddened to report the death of our former striker Craig Farrell.
"Craig made 15 appearances, scoring twice, during a loan spell with the U’s from York City in 2009. Craig died earlier today aged just 39 and our thoughts are with his family and friends."
Middlesbrough FC tweeted: "Our thoughts are with the family and friends of our former youth player Craig Farrell following his sad passing."
Farrell's goals helped fire York to the semi-finals of the Conference play-offs in 2007. He also scored the third-fastest hat-trick in the club's history with a quick-fire treble in an FA Cup tie against Rushall Olympic.
York City posted on Facebook: "We are saddened to learn of the passing of former player Craig Farrell, aged 39. Craig made 111 appearances and scored 27 goals for City between 2006 and 2009. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time."
Whitby Town Football Club has also paid tribute, releasing a statement on social media. "Everyone at Whitby Town is extremely saddened that hear of the passing of former player Craig Farrell. Craig featured for the Seasiders between 2012 and 2015. Rest in Peace, Faz."
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