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      Liverpool supremo David Moores left whopping £78.3m fortune in his will after dying just weeks following family tragedy

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      FORMER Liverpool FC Chairman David Moores left £78.3million in his will – with his fortune passing to family.Moores – nephew of the late John Moores, who founded the Littlewoods football pools in the 1920s then branched out into department stores – bequeathed the huge estate after dying aged 76 last July.
      Former Liverpool FC chairman David Moores left over £78million in his willCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      And paperwork released today showed he wanted his fortune held in trust for relatives, including his step-children David and Lisa.
      Moores, who was from one of Britain’s wealthiest families and went into the Littlewoods business, married twice – first to former Miss England Kathy Anders in 1976.
      But she died, aged 26, a year later in a tragic car crash when Moores’ Jaguar spun into a ditch.
      He suffered serious head injuries but recovered and wed Marjorie Walmsley in 1983.
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      Marjorie died in February 2022, just months before Mr Moores – and left £14 million to him and her two children, David and Lisa.
      The couple lived in a mansion in Halsall, 15 miles north of Liverpool.
      Paperwork shows he left the home to his step-daughter, Lisa.
      A football source said: “David Moores was an old-fashioned gent, who was a familiar face at Liverpool FC and also around the city.
      Most read in Football
      “He was also a hugely successful businessman and it is no wonder he left such a huge estate and that family would benefit from it.”
      Legendary footie figure Moores – known for Beatles-style “mop-top” and distinctive black moustache – was chairman of the club between 1991 and 2007.
      His family had, for years, held stakes in both Liverpool and Everton and in 1991 David Moores acquired a controlling 51 per cent stake in the Reds.
      In his 16 years at the helm, he steered Liverpool through the formation of the Premier League, and appointed the club’s first foreign manager – Gerard Houliier – in 1998.
      Liverpool landed the League Cup, FA cup and UEFA Cup in 2001, before Moores hired Spanish coach Rafa Benitez in 2004.
      Under Benitez, the club famously won the Champions League in 2005.
      The Merseysiders came back from 3-0 down v AC Milan in Istanbul to win on penalties.
      Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann later told how Moores visited the team’s victorious dressing room to congratulate the players after the game.
      He said: “He never said anything, he had a tear running down his cheek and I pulled him into the showers and asked for a cigarette.
      “We never said a word, we had a smoke and it was the most perfect end to the night, to share that moment of peace and quiet.”
      Despite famous triumphs, Liverpool found themselves overshadowed domestically by clubs including Manchester United, Arsenal and then a Roman Abramovich-backed Chelsea.
      Moores – worried his family’s resources would not be enough to compete with clubs like Chelsea – began looking for a buyer in 2007.
      He eventually sold to US businessmen Thomas Hicks and George Gillett – a move he later admitted regretting. More

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      Dad of ex-Liverpool star Roberto Firmino dies aged 62 after suffering heart attack on family trip to Dubai

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      ROBERTO Firmino’s dad has died aged 62 after suffering a heart attack.The ex-Liverpool star’s father José Roberto Cordeiro de Oliveira was on a family trip in Dubai when he fell ill.
      Roberto Firmino (right) with his late fatherCredit: Instagram
      Firmino described his dad as his heroCredit: Instagram
      Firmino’s family is still trying to contact the Brazilian embassy in the UAE to bring his father’s body back to their home city of Maceió.
      One friend told local media: “He was a very good guy. He had a very good soul and was very funny. This was very unexpected.”
      In his autobiography, Al-Ahli star Firmino writes: “Not all heroes wear capes; some are called Dad.
      “My father, José, was my childhood hero, an inspiration and an example.
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      “A generous, serious, honest man dedicated to the family.”
      Firmino’s boyhood club CRB said: “The Clube de Regatas Brasil deeply regrets the death of José Roberto Cordeiro de Oliveira, father of Roberto Firmino, who left us this weekend.
      “He’s always been a big Galo de Campina fan and was very proud of his son being unveiled in football with the whirlpool shirt.
      “Rest in peace, José Roberto.”
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      The family had shared snaps of their trip in Dubai before Oliveira’s death – including one of him enjoying a trip to an amusement park.
      Firmino left Liverpool last summer after spending eight years at Anfield.
      He joined the Reds from Hoffenheim in 2015 and was part of the squad which one the Champions League in 2019 and the Prem in 2020. More

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      George Chigova dead at 32: Former Zimbabwe goalkeeper collapses and dies after suspected heart attack

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      FORMER international goalkeeper George Chigova has passed away aged 32.The shot stopper died after collapsing at his home in South Africa.
      George Chigova played for Zimbabwe at AFCONCredit: Getty
      He suffered a heart attack in July and briefly tried to return to football.
      The played nicknamed “Zikeeper” won 32 caps for Zimbabwe during his career.
      He featured at the Africa Cup of Nations several times.
      Chigova also won the COSAFA Cup with Zimbabwe in 2017 and 2018.
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      He made a name for himself at Dynamos in his homeland, where he was dubbed his nickname by adoring supporters.
      Chigova left and spent much of his club career in the South African Premier Division with SuperSport United and Polokwane City.
      Tributes have flooded in for him, one read: “Terrible news and may his soul rest in peace.”
      Another fan said: “May you rest in peace Zikeeper.”
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      Others added: “You were one hell of a character. We will pray for you. You will be remembered.”
      More wrote: “Go well gentle giant.” More

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      Sir Bobby Charlton’s funeral was a fantastic way to remember the man who supported me 100%, says Alex Ferguson

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      SIR Alex Ferguson said Sir Bobby Charlton’s funeral today was a fantastic way to remember the man who “supported me 100 per cent”.Fans flocked to Old Trafford and to Manchester Cathedral for a public funeral service to remember Charlton, who died aged 86 last month.
      Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson attends the funeral of Sir Bobby CharltonCredit: Getty
      Charlton was influential in appointing Ferguson as manager in 1986Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      He could see the work Ferguson was doing in restructuring the clubCredit: PA:Press Association
      The service was attended by United stars past and present, other football dignitaries and even the Prince of Wales.
      Speaking after the service, former Manchester United manager Sir Alex told the BBC: “It’s a very sombre occasion.
      “One of the tributes from his grandson, I thought was fantastic.
      “It’s not easy going up there and speaking. The speakers did a great job.”
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      “He was a fantastic man,” he continued. “I’m here at United because of Bobby Charlton.
      “The day I came, he supported me 100 per cent, all the way.
      “He was totally behind me and everything we tried to do with youth. I’m here because of Bobby Charlton.”
      As a director Charlton was influential in not only appointing Ferguson as manager in 1986 but standing by him during troubled early years.
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      He could see the work Ferguson was doing in restructuring the club and believed that patience would pay dividends.
      Charlton will be remembered as arguably the greatest English footballer of all time, a World Cup winner in 1966 with his country and a winner of three league titles, an FA Cup and a European Cup with Manchester United in 1968.
      However, the eulogies read at his funeral service at Manchester Cathedral all highlighted how family came first for Charlton.
      His grandson William Balderston read the last of the tributes and recalled a “creative, fantastic storyteller” who would make up what he called “jelly and custard” tales to entertain and enthral his younger relatives.
      He spoke of his “depth of gratitude” to Charlton and his wife Norma, adding: “They have shown me what devotion really is.”
      Thousands of fans lined the apron of Old Trafford to pay their respects as Charlton’s funeral cortege drove past.
      Many hundreds more gathered outside the Cathedral with more than 1,000 guests coming to pay their respects.
      There were team-mates from Charlton’s own glory days – Alex Stepney, Paddy Crerand and Brian Kidd – with the guest list reading like a who’s who of United’s history for the last six decades.
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      From the current squad, Harry Maguire, Tom Heaton, Jonny Evans and Luke Shaw were in attendance.
      Beyond the club, the Prince of Wales – the president of the Football Association – led a delegation from the governing body which also included current England manager Gareth Southgate.
      Sir Bobby’s widow Norma Ball and his family at her beloved partner’s funeral
      The order of service at Sir Bobby’s funeralCredit: Splash
      Prince William attended Manchester Cathedral for the serviceCredit: Alamy
      Sir Bobby pictured at Old Trafford in 1970Credit: Getty More

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      Ten Hag forced to miss Sir Bobby Charlton’s funeral with Harry Maguire one of four Man Utd stars paying respects to icon

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      ERIK TEN HAG has missed Sir Bobby Charlton’s funeral due to an “unbreakable and long-standing personal commitment in Holland”. Manchester United icon Charlton last month passed away aged 86 following a battle with dementia.
      Erik ten Hag will miss Sir Bobby Charlton’s funeralCredit: AP
      Charlton’s funeral cortege is passed Old Trafford before heading on to Manchester Cathedral for a memorial service.
      Sir Bobby was commemorated alongside former teammates Denis Law and George Best in the “United Trinity” statue at around 1.30pm.
      The cortege then passed through a guard of honour comprising members of the club’s youth team squads and the statue before setting off for the cathedral via the A56, Trinity Way, Chapel Street and Victoria Bridge.
      Despite Ten Hag being unable to attending, former captain Harry Maguire was among four current stars present.
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      Luke Shaw, Jonny Evans and Tom Heaton joined Maguire at the service while other United players are on international duty.
      The United boss apologised and explained his absence was due to “an unbreakable and long-standing personal commitment in the Netherlands”.
      United legends Sir Alex Ferguson, Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs, Roy Keane and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer were all also there.
      But the unpopular Glazer family were not, fearing a backlash from supporters who are keen to see them end their ownership of the club.
      Most read in Football
      United declined to comment when approached by SunSport.
      The ceremony, which was not filmed or broadcast, included eulogies and tributes from former United chief executive David Gill and a personal tribute from Sir Bobby’s family.
      Thousands lined the streets as the funeral cortege arrived at Old Trafford.
      The midfielder made 758 appearances and scored 249 goals for the Red Devils in a glittering 17-year playing career.
      He survived the 1958 Munich Air Disaster, which claimed the lives of eight of his fellow Busby Babes, and went on to win the World Cup with England in 1966 alongside older brother Jack.
      His glittering career also included winning the European Cup with United two years later.
      Charlton returned to the club as a director in 1984 and continued to serve both it and football in general as a much-admired ambassador until his latter years.
      His stature in the game was reflected in the tributes which poured in after the news of his death was announced.
      Sir Bobby Charlton passed away aged 86 following a battle with dementiaCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      Sir Bobby Charlton funeral: William and Fergie lead stars at after coffin takes emotional journey past Old Trafford

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      PRINCE William, Sir Alex Ferguson and Gareth Southgate have joined mourners to bid farewell to England legend Sir Bobby Charlton today.Legends from across the footballing world have gathered to celebrate the life of the World Cup hero at Manchester Cathedral.
      Prince William leaving Manchester Cathedral following the service todayCredit: Alamy
      Sir Alex Ferguson among mourners arriving for Sir Bobby Charlton’s funeralCredit: i-Images
      Pallbearers carry the coffin of Sir Bobby as widow, Norma Charlton walks behindCredit: Getty
      The funeral cortege making its way past the United Trinity statue outside Old TraffordCredit: MCPIX LTD
      The cortege made its way past Old Trafford before heading to Manchester Cathedral for the serviceCredit: Rex
      The funeral cortege making its way to Manchester Cathedral via Old TraffordCredit: Sportimage
      England manager Gareth Southgate arriving at Sir Bobby’s funeral todayCredit: ©Karwai Tang
      Sir Bobby at the unveiling of a stand renamed in his honour in April 2016Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Sir Bobby’s widow Norma Ball arriving at her partner’s funeralCredit: Alamy
      The funeral cortege passed the “United Trinity” statue, where Sir Bobby is immortalised alongside former teammates Denis Law and George Best outside Old TraffordCredit: Alamy
      United legend Paul Scholes arriving at Manchester CathedralCredit: EPA
      Michael Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer arriving at the funeral serviceCredit: Reuters
      Tom Heaton (left) Harry Maguire (centre) and Luke Shaw (right) were among United’s current players in attendanceCredit: Reuters
      The order of service at Sir Bobby’s funeral todayCredit: Splash
      A tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton at Old Trafford todayCredit: Rex
      Nicky Butt (left) and Roy Keane (right) pictured outside Manchester CathedralCredit: Alamy
      United legends Roy Keane, Nicky Butt, Steve Bruce, Paul Scholes, Mark Hughes, Peter Schmeichel and Andy Cole are among those attending the service at Manchester Cathedral today.
      Current players were led by Harry Maguire, with Luke Shaw and Tom Heaton also joining mourners at the service
      Uefa president Aleksander Čeferin, ex-England striker and BBC presenter Gary Lineker, former United midfielder Michael Carrick and Everton defender Ashley Young also attended.
      As the funeral cortege passed Old Trafford on its way to Manchester Cathedral, thousands of emotional fans lining the streets outside the stadium broke into applause.
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      And, in an especially poignant moment, Sir Bobby’s coffin slowly passed United’s “Holy Trinity” statue – erected in tribute to Charlton and his legendary team-mates Denis Law and George Best.
      The cortege then passed through a guard of honour comprising members of the club’s youth team squads and the statue before setting off for the cathedral via the A56, Trinity Way, Chapel Street and Victoria Bridge.
      Sir Bobby’s widow Norma Ball followed her partner’s coffin into the service.
      In a tribute on his coffin, she wrote: “Dearest Bobby, forever in my thoughts, forever in my hearts. All of my love always, Norma.”
      Most read in Football
      Members of the public were invited forward by security to attend the funeral if they wish, with 500 spots made available.
      Speaking outside the service, former United goalkeeper Alex Stepney told Sky Sports News: “I can’t thank him enough for helping me out. He was a perfect gentleman and a winner.
      “He was an ordinary man, a great family man. He liked a bit of fun, he had craic, but deep down an honest man, couldn’t have been a better player in international football and for United. He was the best.”
      United manager Erik Ten Hag was not in attendance at the ceremony due to an “unbreakable and long-standing personal commitment in Holland”.
      The commemoration was scheduled to start at 2pm and was led by Canon Nigel Ashworth.
      The ceremony, which was not filmed or broadcast, included eulogies and tributes from former United chief executive David Gill and a personal tribute from Sir Bobby’s family.
      Hymns include Abide With Me, which is traditionally sung before the FA Cup final, Jerusalem and a rendition of How Great Thou Art by opera singer Russell Watson.
      Simon Jones, 66, of Cheadle, Gtr Manchester, was among the 1,000-strong members of the public who crammed into the narrow flagstone street outside Manchester cathedral.
      Wearing a United scarf, the retired baker told how Sir Bobby was one of the stars of the team when he first went to Old Trafford as a ten-year-old.
      Mr Jones said: “When I first started going as a young boy he was part of the team. He was part of my footballing upbringing so I wanted to show my respects to him one last time.
      “The public will never see the like of him again, especially when you compare him to the modern day players.”
      Pensioners Shirley Fox, 85, and husband Trevor, 79, left their home in Huddersfield, West Yorkhire this morning to see Sir Bobby one last time.
      Shirley, whose cousin Joseph Walton played for United prior to Sir Bobby, broke down in tears as she recalled Sir Bobby’s involvement in the 1958 Munich air disaster.
      The retired shoe shop worker said: “We wanted to say goodbye to a true gentleman.
      “We were there when he came back to Manchester from the Munich air disaster.
      “We were invited into the funeral service but didn’t want to intrude. We will wait to the end to say our goodbye.”
      Sir Bobby died aged 86 last month following a fall at a care home he was staying at amid a battle with dementia.
      Sir Bobby’s family has requested donations in lieu of flowers to a series of charities close to Charlton’s heart – the Sir Bobby Charlton Foundation, the Children’s Adventure Farm Trust, the Alzheimer’s Society and Alzheimer’s UK.
      The midfielder made 758 appearances and scored 249 goals for the Red Devils in a glittering 17-year playing career.
      He survived the 1958 Munich Air Disaster, which claimed the lives of eight of his fellow Busby Babes, and went on to win the World Cup with England in 1966 alongside older brother Jack.
      His glittering career also included winning the European Cup with United two years later.
      Charlton returned to the club as a director in 1984 and continued to serve both it and football in general as a much-admired ambassador until his latter years.
      His stature in the game was reflected in the tributes which poured in after the news of his death was announced.
      Sir Alex described him as a “tower of strength” during his 26-year spell at the helm.
      In a eulogy published in the matchday programme ahead of the derby against Manchester City, he wrote: “It’s no surprise to me that we’ve seen tributes to Sir Bobby from everywhere in the world, on every TV channel and in every newspaper, because he was without question the greatest English player of all time.
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      “People loved him because of all those thunderbolt goals, but it was more than that. My dad used to say that humility in success is a sign of greatness, and that was Bobby.
      “He never used to boast about his own achievements; it was always about the team and the club.”
      Prince William walking inside Manchester Cathedral for the serviceCredit: EPA
      Thousands lined the streets outside Old Trafford as the cortege made its way pastCredit: News images
      Former United striker Andy Cole attends the funeral todayCredit: Alamy
      Former United goalkeeper Alex Stepney described Sir Bobby as “the perfect gentleman”Credit: Reuters
      United chief executive Richard Arnold pictured walking to the funeral serviceCredit: Reuters
      Sir Bobby pictured in May 1966Credit: PA
      Sir Bobby (left) will be commemorated alongside former teammates Denis Law and George Best (right) in the “United Trinity” statueCredit: Getty
      Peter Ridsdale arriving for the funeral todayCredit: Reuters
      Police gather ahead of Sir Bobby’s funeral this afternoonCredit: LNP
      A sea of flowers left in tribute to Sir Bobby following his death last monthCredit: PA More

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      Jordan Sinnott: Mum of footballer who was killed on night out dies from cancer as family say ‘give Jord a big cuddle’

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      THE MUM of a footballer who was killed while on a night out has died after being diagnosed with cancer.Jordan Sinnott died in January 2020 aged 25 after being attacked by three drunk and violent thugs in Retford, Nottinghamshire.
      Melanie Tait was diagnosed with a rare cancer in August 2022
      Former Huddersfield player Jordan Sinnott died after being found unconscious
      Just a week after Sinnott’s funeral, his partner Kelly found out she was 12 weeks pregnant with their daughter Maisie.
      And now in another tragedy for the family, his mum Melanie Tait has died after a battle with cancer. She was just 54.
      Melanie had spent her final years setting up a charity in honour of her son – and did a sponsored sky dive in his memory earlier this year.
      In a post on Facebook on Sunday the trust said: “It’s with the heaviest of hearts we would like to share the devastating news that yesterday after a long fight with cancer, our beautiful Melanie has gained her wings.
      “We are utterly heartbroken.
      “Give Jord a big cuddle from us Mel, we love you both unconditionally.”
      On July 31, 2020, Denovan, 22, and Matthews, 21, were jailed for 11 years and eight years and three months respectively after being convicted of manslaughter at Nottingham Crown Court.
      Jordan had proposed to Kelly at Christmas just four weeks before his death and had gone out with her and friends in the market town to celebrate.
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      In his last moments with Kelly, he performed his favourite song Sweet Caroline on the karaoke.
      Jordan and two friends later went drinking in nearby pubs as Kelly went home at about midnight.
      CCTV showed Denovan and Matthews following the pals into The Vine pub at about 1.40am, with prosecutors describing them as a “pack hunting down and exacting retribution”.
      The brute told Jordan he was a “good-looking lad” and would have no trouble “pulling girls” — unlike him, who was “fat and ginger”.
      Falsely believing he was engaging in jovial banter, Jordan replied: “Yes I can see that.”
      The court heard Denovan’s comment was a “deliberate honey trap” to spark a fight.
      Denovan then “flew immediately into a rage” and punched Jordan twice in the face before Jordan and his friends managed to leave the pub.
      The thugs then followed them to a nearby takeaway and restarted their attack.
      Denovan punched Jordan again and Matthews then hit him “two or three times” causing the footballer to hit his head on the pavement as he fell backwards to the ground.
      Jordan was rushed to hospital but pronounced dead with his family at his side at around 6pm on Saturday, January 25.
      Paying tribute at the time, Jordan’s parents, former Bradford City footballer Lee Sinnott and Mel said: “We’ve lost a son, a brother, a fiancé, a grandson, uncle, nephew, cousin, a true friend to so many. 
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      “But more heartbreaking than anything, a father to his unborn child. 
      “And what a great daddy he would have been.”
      Kai Denovan, was found guilty of manslaughter following a trial at Nottingham Crown Court
      Follow thug Cameron Matthews pleaded guilty to manslaughter for his part More

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      John Nuttall dead aged 56: Ex-Team GB Olympics star suffers heart attack as legend wife Liz McColgan reveals tragic news

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      TEAM GB Olympic hero John Nuttall has passed away aged 56.His wife, former 10,000-metre world champion Liz McColgan, announced Nuttall suffered a heart attack on Thursday morning.
      John Nuttall passed away after suffering a heart attackCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Nuttall in action during the 5000 metres in the European Athletics Championships in 1994Credit: Getty
      She paid tribute to her late husband in a social media post, revealing her heartbreak.
      Liz wrote: “It is with great sadness and a heavy heart I write this.
      “My husband John Nuttall died yesterday morning with a sudden heart attack.
      “A much loved dad, son, brother and husband. For those that loved John our hearts are breaking”.
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      Nuttall competed for Team GB in the 5,000 metres at the 1996 Olympic Games.
      He also raced in the 1993 and 1995 World Championships and won bronze at the 1994 Commonwealth Games.
      After hanging up his boots Nuttall became an elite coach and supported Team GB long-distance runners at London 2012.
      His daughter Hannah Nuttall is an Olympic athlete who competes in middle-distance and cross-country running events.
      Most read in Athletics
      And his son Luke Nuttall is a British Paralympic athlete who competes in the 1500m in the T46 classification.
      Tributes have poured in for Nuttall, who was currently coaching Qatar, from across the sporting world following the news of his sudden passing.
      McColgan’s daughter Eilish wrote: “It’s hard to find the words right now… Our family suffered a huge loss yesterday with the sudden passing of my step-father John.
      “We’ve spent the last 6 weeks here in Doha, with my mum and John, and so his passing has been a huge shock. We are still trying to process it.
      “There is such a huge outpouring of love from both Doha & everyone back home. It just reinforces how many people thought so highly of him. He will be missed by us all 💔”
      Qatari athlete Abubaker Haydar Abdalla wrote: “My condolences to his family and all.
      “A mentor, coach and friend. RIP John Barry Nuttall.”
      Triathlete Islam Sallam added: “Very sad day for the sports community in Doha.
      “We lost, not just a friend, but a father figure that we always looked up to and went to for advice and support.
      “Rest in peace, John. We will miss you. Our hearts are with you Liz”.
      Glamour model Nell McAndrew said: “Oh my goodness Liz, this is heartbreaking. So sad. Thinking of you and your family. Lots of love”.
      Others who had worked with John over the years flocked to the comments of Liz’s post to share their condolences.
      One person posted: “We are so sorry to hear about John’s passing. Coach John will always be remembered for his kindness, his love for the job, and his understanding of how to motivate young athletes. What a loss”.
      Another commented: “Oh my. No. I am so saddened and heartbroken for you and your families.
      “John will always remain such a light and role model in my life. Sending hugs and thoughts Liz”.
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      Someone else shared: “We are so sorry for your family’s loss. What an amazing human he was. The community will surely miss his kindness and care”.
      While a close one said: “I’m shocked! So very sorry to hear this Liz, he was an amazing man. Thoughts with you at this difficult time”. More