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      Welcome to Wrexham star and club’s oldest fan Arthur Massey dies aged 100 as emotional tributes pour in

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      WREXHAM’S oldest fan has died aged 100 with fellow supporters paying emotional tribute to the club legend.Life-long reds supporter Arthur Massey was a fan-favourite after starring in Disney’s hit documentary Welcome to Wrexham.Welcome to Wrexham star and club’s oldest fan Arthur Massey has died aged 100Arthur met King Charles when he visited Wrexham in 2022Credit: Arthur Edwards / The SunArthur featured in season three of Welcome to WrexhamCredit: FXThe club’s oldest fan was honoured by Wrexham AFC in MarchCredit: Instagram/wrexham_afcBut fans were left heartbroken after Arthur’s daughter Julie revealed today that the centenarian passed away.Julie shared the devastating news on social media when she posted a picture of her dad with the caption: “14/3/24 – 8/8/24. RIP Dad.”Wrexham AFC fans paid tribute to the “legend” who was the heart and soul of the club.One supporter wrote: “So sorry to hear this Julie. Your Dad was a really lovely man who touched so many after appearing on the documentary.”Another said: “I’m so sorry for your loss. He seemed like such a wonderful person. Rip Arthur, Wrexham legend.”Meanwhile a third added: “Rest easy Arthur. True Wrexham forever and always. Love to you Julie and your family.”Wrexham also paid tribute to Arthur on X, formerly Twitter: “Everybody at Wrexham AFC is extremely saddened to learn of the passing of life-long supporter Arthur Massey, aged 100.”All our thoughts are with Arthur’s family and friends at this time. Forever a Wrexham supporter.Most read in FootballArthur featured heavily in the season three episode ‘Temporary’ when owner Rob McElhenney visited him at home for his 100th birthday.The loyal supporter memorably said: “Everything is temporary. No joy lasts forever. No pain lasts forever, either. “That’s life. You have to accept what it is, not what you want it to be.”Ex-Wrexham captain warns Ryan Reynolds that up and coming star ‘has got Premier League written all over him’He also met King Charles during his visit to Wrexham in December 2022.During the King’s visit, Arthur spoke about the current excitement surrounding the football club since the takeover of Rob and co-owner Ryan Reynolds. The documentary’s producer, Bryan Swarberg, said: “Incredibly sorry for your loss. His was a life well lived. He was a great man. Love to you and the family.”Having reached a century, Arthur was the club’s oldest fan and even received a gift from Wrexham AFC when he hit the milestone back in March. Arthur was presented with a Wrexham shirt, with the No.100, by club officials ahead of their clash Tranmere Rovers at the STok Racecourse.As well as being a loyal Wrexham fan, Arthur was a dedicated volunteer for the Royal British Legion’s annual poppy appeal. He was also a Second World War veteran, serving as a sapper in the Burma Campaign in South East Asia.His death comes just hours before Wrexham kick off their first season in the third tier of English football since 2005.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey start their League One campaign tomorrow and will welcome Wycombe Wanderers to the Racecourse.The club secured back-to-back promotions in April to earn promotion up to League One.Arthur’s 100th birthday celebrated by ownersHollywood star Ryan Reynolds bought AFC Wrexham in 2020 with pal Rob McElhenney and saw the club break a 45-year trophy duck as well as achieving promotion for the first time in 15 years.Both of Wrexham’s famous owners – Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds paid tribute to Arthur Massey when he turned 100.Rob said: “Happy 100th Arthur!!! Let’s celebrate 101 in League 1!!! That seems poetic to me.”Ryan added: “Congratulations, Arthur! 100 is the new 98! Happy Birthday, young man.”His daughter Julie Birrell said: “Dad’s had a fantastic day today, surrounded by the love from the Wrexham family. Thank you to everyone who stopped to wish him Happy 100th Birthday.”The club also handed him a shirt featuring the number ‘100’ on the back in recognition of him reaching the incredible milestone. More

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      Heartbroken Millwall stars and staff pay emotional tribute to tragic Matija Sarkic after goalkeeper, 26, passed away

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      HEARTBROKEN Millwall players, staff and fans will pay a touching tribute to their much-loved keeper Matija Sarkic this weekend.The 26-year-old tragically passed away after suffering heart failure in June while on holiday with partner Phoebe in his dad’s native Montenegro.Matija Sarkic died earlier this yearCredit: GettyAndy Marshall worked with the goalkeeper at Millwall and Aston VillaCredit: RexJoe Bryan hailed Sarkic as an ‘incredible person’Credit: RexHis untimely death left the whole Millwall community stunned — just one year after their American owner John Berylson died in a car crash and two years since lifelong fan and SunSport journalist Paul Jiggins passed away suddenly, aged 50.Ahead of their Championship opener against Watford, the club will unveil a mural in Sarkic’s honour, funded by the Millwall Supporters’ Club.The Lions are also retiring his No 20 shirt and a new gong called the Matija Sarkic Save of the Season Award will be competed for across the first team, academy and Lionesses.A memorial tree is being planted at the players’ entrance at the request of the squad and Sarkic’s family will be welcomed pitchside pre-match.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLGoalkeeper coach Andy Marshall, 49, worked closely with Grimsby-born Sarkic, first at Aston Villa nine years ago, before linking up again at The Den.Marshall told SunSport: “I met Mati when he was 17 and brought him over to the UK from Belgium.“He was a smart young man and that was the first thing that hit me about him — always eager to learn. He was desperate to absorb all the information you could give him.“And it was that, along with his work-rate and determination to succeed that made me think, ‘this lad is going all the way to the very top’.Most read in Football“He had everything you wanted. The size of the lad, determination but the best thing about him was that he had the ability to have a fun side towards it.“He enjoyed what he was doing. He realised how to become successful and what was needed to become successful plus he could enjoy himself at the same time.”Emotional moment Millwall manager Neil Harris chokes back tears as he reveals heartbreak over death of Matija SarkicMatija Sarkic career statsMillwall: 33 games, 12 clean sheetsShrewsbury: 29 games, 11 clean sheetsBirmingham: 23 games, 10 clean sheetsLivingston: 18 games, nine clean sheetsStoke: Eight games, three clean sheetsWigan: Three gamesHavant & Waterlooville: One gameMarshall will never forget the early morning phone call that broke his heart, from Sarkic’s grieving father Bojan.The Lions coach said: “There are poignant moments in people’s lives when certain things happen and people remember. I was laying at home in bed and at exactly 6.57am my phone rang and I saw it was Bojan.“I didn’t quite get to the phone in time to answer but text to ask him if everything was OK, because when someone calls you just before 7am you know something’s not right.“He called straight back and as I picked the phone up, I knew Mati had died and that was tough. It was awful.“I’ll forever remember the conversation, what he said to me, that Mati had died and that was very, very tough to hear. I had to take ten to 15 minutes to try to absorb it, which was impossible.“I was thinking he was a 26-year-old man who four weeks earlier I had been in Turkey and also in Spain training him.“I also drove over to Belgium to watch him play for Montenegro just ten days before his death.“Matija was like a son to me. I was close to his family, too.“So when I found out this after all the years I have spent with him, it hit me like a juggernaut. I was extremely emotional for a long time after.“It’s hard to accept someone so young has passed away.”Lions defender Joe Bryan, 30, was close friends with Sarkic.He said: “As is often the case in tragic circumstances, you hear people talking about a wonderful, incredible person — and with Mati that is true. He was a happy, smiley, wonderful person.“He was always the first one in to the training ground every morning and had a big smile on his face.  He loved his coffee. I’m also into coffee and he was telling me about all the places that he and Phoebe were going to visit.“He loved his cortado. He always said, ‘The shorter the coffee, the more sophisticated the man’. We’d always laugh about that.“Mati had this Pilates machine in the canteen that he used to always be sitting on doing his hamstring stretches.“Whenever I think about it, it makes me laugh. It looked so out of place in the canteen under the darts board.“It’s been so difficult for us all. We’re just used to seeing him wandering around here with a coffee in his hand smiling. That’s the Mati I remember and it’s difficult moving forward to come to terms with the fact we’ll not see him again.”Millwall boss Neil Harris believes Sarkic had all the talent to reach the very highest level and would have played a key role this season.But he said Sarkic’s sad passing has brought everyone even closer together in what was already a tight-knit dressing room.He said: “When we came back into the building, the first couple of days we started to use it as a mourning period for Mati.“It gave us a chance to laugh, shed a tear, to remember, to talk.“We had a group meeting, which I led, and then had a minute’s silence out on the pitch in the goal area. It felt right to do it in the goal area rather than anywhere else — that helped, it gave us a chance to reflect.“This isn’t about being a professional footballer, this is about being a human being and how you deal with adversity and difficult moments in your life.“We’re here to help, the club have been hugely supportive to everybody but the players have also been exceptional and continue to be exceptional.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It’s been a difficult couple of years with Jiggo, who was a good friend of mine, passing and then John, who was also a mate as well as my boss.“We will always remember these great people and it’s fitting that the club are doing so much to pay tribute to Mati. He deserves that.”Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Team GB footballer Gemma Wiseman took her own life aged 33 just days before Christmas, coroner rules

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      FORMER Team GB Olympic and England football player Gemma Wiseman took her own life, a coroner has ruled.The 33-year-old was part of the UK’s bronze medal-winning team at the 2016 World Deaf Football Championships in Italy.England football player Gemma Wiseman was found dead a week before ChristmasCredit: FacebookGemma Wiseman, left, and Laura Wiseman after winning bronze with Team GB in ItalyCredit: ArchantMrs Wiseman was found in woodland close to her home in Rackheath, near Norwich, by concerned friends who were looking for her on December 16 last year.She died at the scene, with her medical cause of death recorded as “constriction of neck structures”, Monday’s inquest in Norwich was told.Her wife, Laura Wiseman, said in a statement read by the coroner that they had “planned to go to Cornwall over Christmas”, adding: “I didn’t know what Gemma intended to do.”She said she had last seen her alive earlier that day.In a statement read to the inquest, friend Chloe Callaghan said that on December 14 Mrs Wiseman was “very quiet” and “wasn’t her usual self”.She said that in “all the years I had known Gemma”, who worked as a teaching assistant, “she had been very up and down with her mental health”.”She told me of previous dark thoughts and an attempted overdose,” said Ms Callaghan.She said Mrs Wiseman, whom she described as an “amazing mum and devoted wife”, had attempted to take her own life on December 15, the night before her death.Most read in FootballMrs Wiseman’s mother-in-law, Christine Wiseman, said in a statement read by the coroner: “To my knowledge Gemma has always suffered with her mental health since an interview she did in 2017.”She was asked about her dad, who passed away when she was five.”In a family statement, Mrs Wiseman was described as a “kindred spirit to all of us”.They said she was a “loving wife and mother – she always put other people first before herself”.”We have lots of happy memories we will treasure,” the family said.Norfolk area coroner Yvonne Blake concluded that Mrs Wiseman died by suicide.She said: “I’ve been told she was a former Team GB footballer – that’s an achievement, isn’t it?”She asked family members who attended court what position she played in, and was told she was a defender.The coroner said Mrs Wiseman was medicated for depression and anxiety, and a therapeutic level of an antidepressant was found in her blood.She said Mrs Wiseman had previously “taken overdoses”.”Her friends say her mood had dipped before her death for about a month… don’t know why but it suddenly dipped,” the coroner said.”She put it down to stresses of life, child, working.”She added that she was “very low in mood for at least a month or six weeks before she died”.She said Mrs Wiseman “seemed to have a bunch of good friends who were keen to help her and unfortunately found Gemma deceased in the woods”.After recording that Mrs Wiseman died by suicide, she told family members who attended court: “I’m very sorry – it’s such a horrible thing to have happened for all of you.”People feel so bad afterwards and tend to blame themselves.”The sad fact is if somebody is determined to do it they probably will, that’s my experience.”She added that Mrs Wiseman “obviously made an impact on people’s lives and they cared enough to say so”.She had won other medals with England and Team GB, including a bronze at the 2013 Deaflympics in Bulgaria.Gemma supported Norfolk FA’s first inclusive festival for girls and played for local clubs.In a 2021 interview with Norfolk FA, Gemma said her football idol was David Beckham.She revealed: “Girls who are not sure about playing football, you never know until you try and follow your heart.”It’s important to have the girls look up to as role models, so they can prove them wrong and be able to play the sport that they enjoy.”In 2016, footballing ace Gary Neville donated £20,000 to help the men’s and women’s deaf football teams get to the 2017 Deaflympics.The former Manchester United and England defender made the donation in response to a tweet from GB Women’s captain Claire Stancliffe.Wellwishers were distraught at Gemma’s death.One said: “Our thoughts are with you Laura and Allie.”Gemma always had such a wonderful smile and bubbly personality when we bumped in to you around Blofield.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnother wrote: “We are so sorry to hear of your loss.”You, Allie and family are in our thoughts. Lots of love.”You’re Not AloneEVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicideIt doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:Gemma was found dead a week before ChristmasCredit: Facebook More

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      England goalkeeper Dean Henderson posts heartbreaking tribute after tragic death of father Dougie

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      DEAN HENDERSON has posted a heartbreaking tribute following the death of his father Dougie.The England goalkeeper confirmed the passing of his dad on social media.Dean Henderson’s dad Dougie has passed awayCredit: Instagram @deanhendersonHenderson shared a touching tribute on social mediaCredit: Instagram @deanhendersonHe shared one snap from his promotion-winning season at Sheffield UnitedCredit: https://www.instagram.com/deanhenderson/Dougie coached Henderson when he was a childCredit: https://www.instagram.com/deanhenderson/Henderson, 27, shared a post which included eight pictures of himself and Dougie through the years.This included snaps of them during the goalkeeper’s time at Sheffield United and current club Crystal Palace.There were also pictures which showed Dougie coaching Henderson’s team when he was a child, Whitehaven Miners, as well as one of them celebrating winning promotion from the Championship with the Blades in 2019.Henderson included an emotional tribute to his father as he hailed Dougie as his “best friend”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe wrote: “Yesterday we had to say good bye to my best friend my first coach my role model.”Someone who inspired me in the hardest times, who pushed me to be who I am today. And loved me no matter what.”You were the best dad I could ever have wish for and I will cherish all the amazing memories we had together.”The last year has been so difficult but you are finally at rest now.Most read in Football”We shared amazing memories together, a journey from the bottom to the top, and I’m so proud of this. I love you!”You will forever be with us!! Sleep tight Dad.”Dean Henderson shows he has skills beyond goalkeepingThe post has received a lot of attention as Henderson’s current and former team-mates have sent their support.Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White posted: “Thinking of you bro.”Manchester United defender Luke Shaw shared: “Stay strong mate.”England team-mate Jude Bellingham commented multiple love heart emojis.Scott McTominay wrote: “So sorry Dean.”Former Man United wonderkid Angel Gomes said: “Thinking of you and your family bro.”Ollie Watkins added: “Stay strong brother.”Henderson was part of the England team that reached the final of Euro 2024.In 2019, he spoke about the influence of Dougie and his mother, Yvonne, on his life and career.He told The News and Star: “They’ve been rocks for me, driving me up and down the country.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I couldn’t do anything without them.”I still remember trying to improve on crosses and getting my mum and dad to throw balls for me on the cul-de-sac at home and I think I was obsessed with it in a way.” More

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      Ahmed Refaat dead at 31: Mo Salah leads tributes as Egypt star dies months after he collapsed in match

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      MO SALAH has led tributes after team-mate Ahmed Refaat tragically died today.Refaat, 31, died in the early hours of Saturday morning after suffering a heart attack according to local reports.Refaat made seven appearances for Egypt’s national teamCredit: GettyMo Salah has led tributes to his former team-mateCredit: ReutersRefaat played seven times for the Egypt national team between 2013 and 2022, scoring two goals during that time.The player had previously sparked concern after collapsing during a game against Al-Ittihad Alexandria in a game in the Egyptian Premier League in March.The player was rushed to hospital and placed in intensive care after his heart reportedly stopped beating for more than an hour.He was subsequently fitted with a pace maker and released.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRefaat was a winger who played for Egyptian side Modern Future FC.Liverpool star and Egypt captain Mohamed Salah has led tributes to his former team-mate.He posted on X saying: “Survival is for God, and may God give patience to his family and all his loved ones.”Refaat’s club Modern Future FC released a statement confirming the player’s death on their website.Most read in FootballThe club wrote: “O you who are confident, return to your Lord satisfied and ill, and enter into My servants and enter My Paradise.”With great patience, sadness and more faith in Allah’s will and destiny, Modern Sport Club announces the death of Ahmed Refaat, the first team player of the Egyptian national team, following a severe deterioration in his health condition.”He was transferred to the hospital, then to Allah, after a difficult journey of struggle following the health crisis that happened to him on March 11, 2024.”The Egyptian FA paid tribute as they said their players and staff “mourn Ahmed Refaat, the player of the national team and Modern Sport Club, praying to God Almighty to have mercy on him and inspire his family and relatives with patience and solace. To God we belong and to Him we shall return.”Refaat previously played for ENPPI SC, Al Ittihad Alexandria, Zamalek and Al Masry in Egypt, as well as for Al Wahda in the UAE.He was a member of the Egypt side that won the African U-20 Championship in 2013, before lifting the Egyptian Super Cup with Zamalek in 2017 and the Egyptian League Cup with Modern Future in 2022. More

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      Arsenal legend Kevin Campbell died from organ failure in hospital as concerns raised over his care, inquest told

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      ARSENAL and Everton legend Kevin Campbell died from multi-organ failure due to a heart infection, an inquest heard today.The striker passed away in hospital last month aged just 54 – sparking an outpouring of grief from his ex-teammates.Kevin Campbell died after being admitted to hospitalCredit: GettyThe former Arsenal star suffered multi-organ failureCredit: GettyAn inquest into Campbell’s death today heard how the star’s provisional cause of death was given as multi-organ failure due to a heart infection.The hearing was told he had been admitted to Manchester Royal Infirmary (MRI) in May but concerns have been raised over his care.Coroner Zac Golombek said Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, which manages the hospital, had declared a Level 5 patient safety incident – the most serious category – about aspects of his care.He added: “In terms of the circumstances of his death he had been admitted to Manchester Royal Infirmary on May 15 2024.Read more news“He had been reported to have been fit and well until around January 2024 when he had a number of admissions to hospital before this final admission.“I have been notified that Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust which manages Manchester Royal Infirmary has declared a Level 5 incident related to aspects of Mr Campbell’s care in which there is reference to both a delay in aspects of his care and diagnosis, and also concerns raised over decision-making processes with regards to the institutions of palliative care.”Those matters are now subject to internal investigations by the hospital trust.”A full inquest was adjourned to a date to be set while the investigation is ongoing.Most read in FootballCampbell made 213 appearances for Arsenal between 1988 and 1995, scoring 59 goals in all competitions.During his time at the club, he won the old First Division, the FA Cup, the League Cup and the European Cup Winners’ Cup.Unearthed footage shows Kevin Campbell tell incredible story about first time he played with 14-year-old Wayne RooneyArsenal led tributes for the star, who became a pundit after hanging up his boots.The team said: “We are devastated to learn that our former striker Kevin Campbell has died after a short illness.”Kevin was adored by everyone at the club. All of us are thinking of his friends and family at this difficult time.”Rest in peace, Kevin.”Campbell’s former club Everton, where he spent six years after joining in 1999 – making 137 appearances for the club.The Toffees said: “Everton said: “Everyone at Everton is deeply saddened by the death of our former striker Kevin Campbell at the age of just 54.”Not just a true Goodison Park hero and icon of the English game, but an incredible person as well – as anyone who ever met him will know.”RIP, Super Kev.”In a two-decade career, Campbell scored 149 goals and made 521 professional appearances.As well as Arsenal and Everton, he had stints at Nottingham Forest, West Brom and Cardiff City.Campbell holds the record for the most Premier League goals without representing England.But he did make four appearances for England U21s and one appearance for the England B squad.Wayne Rooney, who played at Everton with the footballer, said: “Absolutely devastated to hear the news about Kev – thinking of all his family and friends.”Kev was a great team mate but more importantly a brilliant person who helped me a lot in my earlier years.”While Arsenal star Tony Adams added: “Super Kev: a goal machine, a giant of a man, with an even bigger heart.READ MORE SUN STORIES”An intensely private and a truly wonderful human being. I’m devastated for his loved ones, and all of us.”Love you Super Kev, Skipper.”The star had successful stints at both Everton and ArsenalCredit: GettyFormer teammate Wayne Rooney was among those who paid tributeCredit: PA More

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      Ex-Celtic star Landry Nguemo dead at 38 as tributes paid to former Cameroon midfielder

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      TRIBUTES have been paid to former Celtic midfielder Landry Nguemo, who has died at the age of 38.The diminutive all-action midfielder made more than 40 appearances for the Hoops after being brought to the club by Tony Mowbray on a loan deal from Nancy.Landry Nguemo in action for CelticCredit: Scottish News and SportCeltic manager Tony Mowbray with new on loan signing Landry N’GuemoCredit: Michael Schofield – The Sun GlasgowLandry Nguemo (left) celebrates with Cameroon superstar Samuel Eto’oCredit: PA:Empics SportBut news broke in Cameroon today that he was victim of a traffic accident in his home country, with the Cameroon football federation and former clubs Celtic, Bordeaux and St Etienne all sending heartfelt tributes to the star.The Cameroon Football Federation said in a statement: “The Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT) has just learned the tragic news of the passing of former Indomitable Lion Landry Nguemo in a traffic accident.”Nguemo, who was a key player for the Cameroonian national team from 2006 to 2014 and a former member of Girondins de Bordeaux, will be remembered for his contributions to football. “FECAFOOT extends its deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the entire football community.”Celtic said in a statement: “Everyone at Celtic Football Club is shocked and saddened at the news of Landry Nguemo’s passing at the young age of 38.”The Cameroonian midfielder joined Celtic on loan from French side Nancy in the summer of 2009. “He made over 43 appearances for the Celts before returning to his parent club in 2010. “He was also capped over 40 times for Cameroon throughout the course of his career.Most read in Football”The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Celtic Football Club are with Landry’s family and friends at this sad time.” Bordeaux wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “The Club was saddened to learn of the death of Landry Nguemo. Celtic legend Henrik Larssson reacts after almost tearing up live on”Victim of a traffic accident in Cameroon, the former Bordeaux native died at the age of 38. “FC Girondins de Bordeaux sends its most sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.”St Etienne wrote: “Landry Nguemo has left us. Far too soon, far too abruptly. “ASSE mourns one of its own. To all his loved ones, we send our most sincere condolences.”Nguemo was one of a number of fatalities from a road accident near Obala – with local authorities launching an investigation into the exact circumstances of the accident.He played 42 times for the Cameroon national team, scoring three goals.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe bulk of his professional career was spent in France, where he played for AS Nancy-Lorraine, Bordeaux and St Etienne before winding down his playing days in Turkish football.Nguemo in action against St MirrenCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun GlasgowTony Mowbray with Nguemo and Georgios SamarasCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun GlasgowKeep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More