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      Man City and England legend Francis Lee dies aged 79 after battle with cancer as club pay tribute to former chairman

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      MANCHESTER CITY and England legend Francis Lee has passed away at the age of 79 after a long battle with cancer.The former striker scored 148 goals in 330 appearances for Man City.
      Francis Lee is a Manchester City and England legendCredit: Getty
      Lee played more than 300 games for Man CityCredit: Alamy
      Lee received 27 caps for EnglandCredit: Getty
      He won the First Division title, FA Cup, League Cup and European Cup Winners’ Cup during his seven years at Maine Road between 1967 and 1974.
      Affectionately known as “Frannie”, Lee, who started his career at Bolton in 1959, also earned 27 caps for England between 1968 and 1972, scoring 10 goals.
      He returned to Man City in 1994 where he held the job of chairman for four years.
      The club released a statement saying: “It is with the deepest sadness and heaviest of hearts we announce the passing of former Manchester City player and Chairman Francis Lee, aged 79.
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      “A Club legend in every sense, Francis made 330 appearances for City, scoring 148 goals.”
      It continued: “Everyone at Manchester City would like to send their condolences to the friends and family of Francis at this very difficult time.
      “As a mark of respect, flags around the Etihad Stadium and City Football Academy are flying at half-mast.
      “More tributes from the club will follow in the coming days.”
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      Lee took over as Man City chairman in 1994Credit: Getty
      He goes down as an icon of Man CityCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Lee received a host of individual awards during his career including Man City’s Player of the Year award in 1970 and the First Division Golden Boot in 1972.
      After leaving City, Lee went on to win a second First Division title of his career with Derby in 1975.
      He hung up his boots in 1976 when his two-year spell at Derby came to an end.
      Bolton also posted a tribute saying: “All at Bolton Wanderers are saddened to learn of the passing of former forward, Francis Lee.
      “The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Francis’ family, friends and loved ones at this difficult time.”
      Former City star Paul Dickov joined in the tributes, writing: “Such sad news to hear of the passing Francis Lee.
      “A gentleman, proper football man with a great sense of humourThe main reason I signed for @ManCity with his sheer love for the club & will be forever grateful. Love & condolences to all his family & friends. RIP Mr Chairman.”
      And fans also paid their respects to a legend of the game, including Man City supporter Liam Gallagher.
      He wrote: “Frannie Lee, RIP LG x.”
      Another said: “RIP Francis Lee. England international! Title winner with @dcfcofficial and Man City. Talented footballer.
      “Scored a few belters when Rams won the title! Thanks for the memories! ⚽️”
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      Another added: “Sad to hear Francis Lee has passed away. Superb striker with Manchester City and Derby County. Condolences to his family.”
      While a third replied: “RIP Francis Lee. An old school legend of the game 😔.”
      Lee was a prolific striker throughout his 17-year playing careerCredit: Getty More

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      Dale Houghton faces jail for mocking football fans with Bradley Lowery pic for ‘banter’ as mum slams ‘unforgivable’ act

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      A “DEPLORABLE” football fan is facing jail for using a picture of tragic Bradley Lowery to mock Sunderland supporters for “banter”.Dale Houghton was one of two men seen smiling as they held up the image of Bradley, who died from cancer aged six, during the Sheffield Wednesday vs Sunderland match on Friday.
      Dale Houghton has been charged after the picture was used to mock fans
      Houghton is now facing jailCredit: Facebook
      Sunderland superfan Bradley died in 2017 aged sixCredit: PA:Press Association
      The 31-year-old appeared at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court today where he admitted causing harassment, alarm and distress.
      The disgraced fan now faces a maximum of six months in prison for the Public Order offence when he sentenced on November 17.
      Houghton was slammed by Bradley’s mum Gemma today for the “unforgivable” act, which drew criticism from all football supporters.
      In a victim impact statement, she said: “This image made me feel so many emotions. I find it hard to put into words.
      “It is not just disrespectful to Bradley but also to other people who are going through the emotional trauma of dealing with cancer.
      “This image portrays negatively. I feel upset that these two men used this image to get a reaction from Sunderland fans. It was unforgivable.
      “I have nothing but loving memories of Bradley.”
      Prosecutor Jade Short said Houghton’s antics caused a “huge public revulsion”.
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      She told the court the shamed football fan found it “enjoyable banter” as he was smiling throughout.
      The court was also told Houghton has lost his job as a window fitter following the sick act and is facing a ban from attending matches.
      Connie Combs, defending, said Houghton realised he was “out of line” and was “disgusted” by his actions.
      Judge James Gould warned Houghton he faces jail as he bailed him on the condition he does not attend any games.
      He will be made to attend a drug intervention programme after testing positive for cocaine, the court heard.
      Houghton is also banned from going within a mile of Hillsborough on match days.
      South Yorkshire Police have applied for a football banning order.
      A 27-year-old man who was also arrested has been released on bail while investigations continue.
      Football fans were left horrified after the pictures from the game were circulated on X, formerly Twitter, on Friday.
      Brave Bradley’s battle with against rare childhood cancer neuroblastoma captured the nation’s hearts.
      He was diagnosed with the aggressive disease when he was just 18 months old, and tumours spread through his chest, lungs, lymph nodes, bone and bone marrow.
      After major surgery and gruelling chemotherapy, he pulled through and went into remission for 18 months.
      But the cancer returned in 2016, with his family dealt the crushing blow his disease was terminal.
      The footie-mad youngster had struck up a close bond with Sunderland captain Jermain Defoe, who led him out on to the pitch before several matches.
      Tragically, Bradley died in July 2017 in his devastated parents’ arms, with Defoe paying an emotional tribute to his “best pal”.
      Speaking after Houghton pleaded guilty today, the ex-England star said he was “appalled and saddened”.
      Defoe said: “My thoughts at this time go out to Gemma and Carl [Bradley’s parents], who shouldn’t have to deal with incidents like this, but rather be praised for the amazing work they are doing with the Bradley Lowery Foundation in their son’s memory.
      “I urge the public to stand behind the family and continue support the Foundation and its projects.
      “Bradley was one of the most inspirational children this world has ever seen, and he will never stop inspiring us.
      “We love and miss you Brad. Love, your best friend forever.”
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      Houghton hid his face as he left court todayCredit: Ben Lack
      Jermain Defoe struck up a close friendship with BradleyCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      A charity set up by mum Gemma slammed the fan on FacebookCredit: Getty – Contributor More

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      Yobs who taunted Sunderland fans with pic of Bradley Lowery are brothers – as mum slams ‘low lifes’ and cops open probe

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      THE vile football yobs who taunted Sunderland fans with a picture of Bradley Lowery are brothers, it has been revealed.Little Bradley captured the nation’s heart during his battle with cancer, but tragically died aged just six in 2017.
      Vile fans held up a photo of late Sunderland fan Bradley Lowery last nightCredit: Twitter/@sheffield wednesday
      His mum has now shared her heartbreak on FacebookCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Dale’s (pictured) former employer JRI Orthopaedics condemned his actionsCredit: Facebook
      The two yobs were brothers Dale and Drew Houghton (pictured)Credit: Facebook
      He was a mascot for his beloved Sunderland and, in the months before his death, led England out at Wembley alongside his hero – former Black Cats striker Jermain Defoe.
      Pictures circulated on X, formerly Twitter, showing two men laughing at the Sheffield Wednesday v Sunderland match at Hillsborough on Friday, with one of them holding up a picture of Bradley to the camera.
      It has now emerged the two yobs were brothers Dale and Drew Houghton.
      Dale’s former employer JRI Orthopaedics condemned his actions and claimed he “has not been employed” there for “some time”.
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      A full statement read: “JRI want to make clear that we do not condone the posts and images that has caused so much upset to so many people.
      “We wish to confirm that Dale Houghton is an ex-employee of JRI Orthopaedics and has not been employed by the business for some time.”
      In a post on Facebook, the Bradley Lowery Foundation, a charity set up by the boy’s mother Gemma, said: “This is so sad for me to see – whatever happened to ‘cancer has no colours’, let alone respect for a family that lost their baby to cancer?”
      A statement from the family read: “Today has not been the Saturday I was expecting, after receiving multiple calls and messages regarding a photo circulating on social media.
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      “I have received a visit from the Durham Police to check that I am ok, and they have notified myself and Carl that Yorkshire police are now dealing with the situation and taking it very serious.
      “Understandably people are angry, if I wasn’t so upset I’d be angry to.
      “Bradley was and still is well loved in the football community, which I’m enternaly [sic] grateful for, but i must ask that everyone lets the police do their job, and deal with the low lives.
      “I want to thank Sheffield Wednesday, for their quick condemnation, and the support their fans have shown.
      “Like we always say, CANCER HAS NO COLOURS, and as we all know it can affect anyone at any time.
      “Thank you all for your kind words, it has really helped and let’s do what we do best at the Bradley Lowery Foundation and turn this negative into a positive. Let’s share this beautiful iconic photo.”
      A spokesperson for Sheffield Wednesday described their actions as “outrageous and deplorable” on X, while South Yorkshire Police said it was working with the club to identify the men.
      A spokesman for the force said: “We are working to investigate public order offences following the Sheffield Wednesday V Sunderland fixture yesterday.
      “We will be working with the club to identity those responsible.
      “Anyone with information is asked to get in touch online or by calling 101.”
      Sheffield Wednesday said in a statement: “We are aware of the images circulating and have launched an immediate investigation together with South Yorkshire Police.
      “We roundly condemn this outrageous and utterly deplorable behaviour.
      “We can only apologise for the undoubted distress caused to Bradley’s family and friends.”
      Young Bradley was a regular Sunderland mascot, holding the hand of his idol Defoe.
      In June 2017, he penned an emotional tribute to his “best pal” Bradley – saying his favourite part of playing for Sunderland was walking onto the pitch with the brave youngster.
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      Defoe said he was heartbroken when he discovered the brave child could only have weeks to live.
      In the wake of Bradley’s death social media became flooded with messages filled with blue heart emojis in a show of support for him.
      Bradley struck up a friendship with Jermain Defoe when he played for the clubCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      JRI claimed he ‘has not been employed’ there for ‘some time’Credit: Facebook/JRI Orthopaedics
      Fans have now called for the vile pair to be banned
      The football-mad six-year-old captured the hearts of BritsCredit: Twiter / @Sheffield wednesday More

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      Vile football fans laugh as they taunt Sunderland supporters with tragic Bradley Lowery pic – as cops launch probe

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      SHEFFIELD Wednesday has slammed fans for vile Bradley Lowery taunts at last night’s game against Sunderland. Shocking photos have surfaced of two men laughing as one holds up a photo of the youngster, who tragically died of cancer in 2017.
      Sheffield Wednesday is investigating after vile fans held up a photo of late Sunderland fan Bradley Lowery at last night’s matchCredit: Twitter/@sheffield wednesday
      Bradley tragically died in 2017 after battling cancer his whole lifeCredit: Twiter / @Sheffield wednesday
      The youngster struck up a friendship with Jermain Defoe when he played for SunderlandCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The club today said it was probing the incident, and apologised to Sunderland fans and Bradley’s loved ones.
      The six-year-old Sunderland lover struck up a close bond with Jermain Defoe while the England international played for the club. 
      The youngster captured the hearts of Brits on and off the field, as he had battled cancer most of his short life before losing the fight six years ago.
      The photos circulating of the men online have today been slammed by dozens, calling for the vile pair to be banned from matches.
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      In response, Sheffield Wednesday said it was looking into the “outrageous and utterly deplorable behaviour”.
      The club said on social media: “We are aware of the images circulating and have launched an immediate investigation together with South Yorkshire Police.
      “We roundly condemn this outrageous and utterly deplorable behaviour.
      “We can only apologise for the undoubted distress caused to Bradley’s family and friends.”
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      The Sun has approached South Yorkshire Police for comment.
      Young Bradley was a regular Sunderland mascot, holding the hand of his idol Defoe.
      In June 2017, he penned an emotional tribute to his “best pal” Bradley – saying his favourite part of playing for Sunderland was walking onto the pitch with the brave youngster.
      Defoe said he was heartbroken when he discovered the brave child could only have weeks to live.
      In the wake of Bradley’s death social media became flooded with messages filled with blue heart emojis in a show of support for him.
      The Bradley Lowery Foundation was also set up to support other families going though a similar ordeal.
      Fans have now called for the vile pair to be banned
      The football-mad six-year-old captured the hearts of BritsCredit: Twiter / @Sheffield wednesday
      Sheffield Wednesdays apologised to Bradley’s friends and family – including mum GemmaCredit: Getty – Contributor More

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      Ex-Man Utd boss Louis van Gaal, 72, snubs offer to return to management and says ‘my health comes first’

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      FORMER Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has revealed that he has no intention of becoming Ajax boss.The Eredivisie giants currently sit 14th in the league table with five points from four games.
      Louis van Gaal has turned down the chance to return to managementCredit: Alamy
      Fans have become increasingly frustrated as a result of the club’s poor form, with many reaching a boiling point at the weekend.
      Thousands of supporters expressed their fury during Ajax’s Eredivisie clash with Feyenoord on Sunday.
      With the visitors leading 3-0 in the 55th minute, Ajax fans began to throw flares onto the pitch.
      The referee subsequently abandoned the match for safety reasons, but fans continued to protest outside the Johan Cruyff Arena.
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      Riot police were called and tear gas was used to disperse the crowds.
      The socking events prompted change within the club, with Sven Mislintat losing his job as Director of Football.
      Manager Maurice Steijn is also understood to be at risk of leaving.
      Van Gaal has been heavily linked with the job, but he recently admitted: “My health comes first.”
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      Earlier this month, the Dutchman also revealed that he has no intention of returning to club management.
      The ex-Man Utd manager is currently battling prostate cancer.
      He announced his diagnosis ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
      And in a recent TV interview, Van Gaal gave fans an update on his condition.
      He said: “How am I doing? Well, I had surgery two or three weeks ago.
      “They have tried to put everything in order, details of which I won’t tire you with further, but now we have to wait and see.
      “On September 19, I have to go back again and then everything will be decided – and then a miracle could take place that I am able to go the toilet by myself again.” More

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      Heartbroken ex-Arsenal ace Josh Vickers reveals his wife has died after cancer battle just three months after wedding

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      HEARTBROKEN Derby star Josh Vickers has revealed his wife has tragically died of cancer just three months after their wedding.Taking to his Instagram page, Vickers released a heartfelt tribute to wife, Laura.
      Josh Vickers poses with wife Laura on their wedding day in JuneCredit: Michelle White Photography
      Josh Vickers paid tribute to his wife Laura after she tragically died of cancerCredit: Instagram @joshuavickers
      Vickers and Laura got engaged in June last yearCredit: Instagram @joshuavickers
      The 27-year-old described Laura as the ‘strongest, bravest and most loving person’Credit: Instagram @joshuavickers
      In his emotional post, the 27-year-old ex-Arsenal star said: “I have written and unwritten this so many times and still can’t find the right words to say and don’t know if I ever will.
      “On Tuesday evening my wife lost her long battle against cancer….”
      “Laura is the strongest, bravest and most loving person I have ever met.
      “Even though everything she was going through, she continued to smile, never letting anything get in the way of having a good time and making a lifetime of memories.
      “We have cried, laughed and danced our way through some tough times.
      “I will cherish every moment we spent together from the first time we meet to the moment you peacefully passed.”
      Vickers and Laura got engaged in June last year and got married 12 months later.
      He added: “I know that you will be looking down on me and continuing to inspire me every day.
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      “Thank you to everyone that has supported myself and both families through this incredibly difficult time.
      “Truly fortunate to have the most amazing family and friends!
      “I Love You Always & Forever 🤍.”
      Derby stars paid tribute to Vickers by holding his shirt aloft during yesterday’s match against Carlisle after he missed the game for personal reasons.
      His team-mates warmed up with “Josh 31” on the front of their tops.
      When James Collins opened the scoring, players held up the goalkeepers shirt.
      Vickers came through the Arsenal Academy but left to join Swansea in 2015 having not made a single first team appearance for the Gunners.
      He then joined Barnet on loan before sealing a free transfer to Lincoln.
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      After his contract expired he joined Rotherham in 2020, before signing for Derby in the summer.
      In a statement, Derby said: “We are right behind you, @JoshVickers1🖤🤍.”
      Vickers plays in goal for DerbyCredit: Rex
      Derby stars paid tribute by holding his shirt aloftCredit: Rex
      Team-mates wore ‘Josh 31’ on the front of their training topsCredit: Rex More

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      Barry Bennell dead – Paedo football coach who abused more than 20 boys while working at top clubs dies in prison aged 70

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      PAEDO football coach Barry Bennell has died in prison aged 70 – after he abused more than 20 boys at top clubs.The Sun understands that the predator, who had cancer, died at HMP Littlehey in Cambridgeshire on Saturday morning.
      Paedo coach Barry Bennell has died in prisonCredit: PA
      The predator abused more than 20 boysCredit: PA:Press Association
      Bennell was a youth coach at Crewe Alexandra, Manchester City and Stoke City in the 1980s and 1990s.
      He also had links to youth teams across Cheshire, Derbyshire, Staffordshire and Greater Manchester – and used his position to sexually abuse boys.
      The paedo was first jailed for four years in the US in 1994 after he abused a 13-year-old British boy at a football camp in Florida.
      Bennell returned to the UK, where his broader record as an predator was exposed by the 1997 Channel 4 Dispatches film Soccer’s Foul Play.
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      He was jailed for nine years at Chester Crown Court after admitting 23 offences dating back to the 1970s.
      In 2015 Bennell pleaded guilty to enticing a boy under the age of 14 to commit an act of gross indecency in the early 1980s – and was jailed for two more years.
      More brave victims came forward after footballer Andy Woodward revealed he had been groomed and abused by Bennell for four years, starting when he was just 11.
      He was convicted of more than 50 sexual offences against 22 boys at Liverpool Crown Court in 2018.
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      Handing the monster a 34-year jail term, the judge described him as the “devil incarnate”.
      Bennell was jailed at HMP Littlehey, a prison for sex offenders in Cambridgeshire.
      The court heard how Bennell contacted one of his former victims through Facebook to tell him that his cancer diagnosis was “payback”.
      Eight men abused by Bennell are reportedly appealing after the High Court dismissed their damages claim against Manchester City.
      One of the men slammed City’s “callous” compensation scheme for Bennell’s victims.
      A Prison Service spokeswoman said: “Prisoner Barry Bennell died at HMP Littlehey on 16 September 2023.
      “As with all deaths in custody, the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman will investigate.” More

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      Ben Cull’s girlfriend Daisy Morrison posts heartbreaking tribute after former England youth star dies of cancer

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      BEN CULL’S girlfriend has posted a heartbreaking tribute following his death.The former England youth star has tragically passed away at the age of 23 after a battle with cancer.
      Daisy Morrison has shared a heartbreaking tribute to Ben CullCredit: instagram / @daismorrison
      Daisy said the ‘hardest goodbye’ after Ben died aged 23Credit: instagram / @daismorrison
      Ben, who previously starred for Southampton’s academy, had only proposed to Daisy just weeks before his passing.
      Daisy has now shared an emotional tribute to her fiance, who had been battling Ewing’s sarcoma since he was 17.
      Alongside a series of pictures from their relationship, Daisy wrote on Instagram: “The Hardest Goodbye. Yesterday I lost my whole life, My Fiancé, My Soulmate, My Person, My Entire World…
      “I always hoped and prayed this day would never, ever come. True heartbreak is real, my heart physically hurts & I’ve never felt pain like this.
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      “I adored you more than words will ever say & I know how much you adored me Ben, you told me every single day, you fought so hard for me & you always put me first & I will hold on to that forever.
      “Right now it feels impossible to even put one foot forward in a world without you, you & I are a team and I’ve lost the strongest member.
      “My mum & dad couldn’t have picked a better soulmate for me, they adored you, they think of you as a son & are hurting so bad right now.
      “They say you go for someone like your Father & god you were like dad, 2 peas in a pod, the best of friends, couldn’t of wished for a stronger bromance.
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      Ben proposed to Daisy just weeks before his deathCredit: instagram / @daismorrison
      Ben had been battling cancer since he was 17Credit: instagram / @daismorrison
      “You fought until the very end my darling, I know you did absolutely everything you could to stay & despite suffering so bad, you kept going, that I will be forever grateful for, you never gave up, god just had his own plans.
      “One thing I can say for sure, is that we made the most of every single second. You & I both said we’d rather of met our soulmate and had less time, than lived a whole lifetime without eachother.
      “You were the reason I smiled everyday, my reason to wake up, you were the first person I’d turn to with a problem, the person I felt safe next to every night, the person who made a whole room laugh, you were my reason for it all, you gave me a purpose.
      “The only person I want to speak to right now is you & I can’t do that which breaks me. You’ve told me so many times to be brave for you and never give up & I promise I am going to try.
      “I already miss you so much, & will do every single second of everyday my darling boy, the cuddles, the kisses, the laughs, messages & everything, my heart will never, ever heal from this hole you’ve left.
      Daisy posted an emotional message to InstagramCredit: instagram / @daismorrison
      Daisy called Ben ‘my soulmate’ alongside a series of snaps of the coupleCredit: instagram / @daismorrison
      “To let you go will always be the toughest thing I’ll ever have to do. Good Night baby, I will see you up there one day, we will be reunited again my darling & finish our story as it isn’t over yet. I love you Forever & Always my Angel.”
      Ben had told his partner “3 more lifetimes wouldn’t be enough” in his tragic final post before he died.
      After a long battle with cancer, his condition had worsened in recent months, prompting him to propose to Daisy.
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      His football career had seen him spend time in Southampton’s academy before progressing into their under-18 side.
      The full-back also won two caps for England at youth level before his disease ended his playing career in 2018. More