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Tributes pour in for tragic Harrogate Town footballer
Alex Emmett.
Tributes have poured in for a promising young footballer who died suddenly at the weekend.
Harrogate Town AFC defender Alex Emmett, 18, from Follifoot, North Yorkshire, passed away at home on Saturday.
The cause of the teenager’s death has not yet been confirmed, but it is thought that he had a heart condition.
The team’s manager, Simon Weaver, has spoken of the “awful and shocking” news.
He said the club’s thoughts are with Alex’s parents, twin brother Jack, and younger sister Laura.
Relatives, friends, Harrogate Grammar classmates and teammates have all also paid their respects at Twitter, using hashtag #RIPAlexEmmett.
Black armbands will be worn at the team’s next away game on Saturday (February 18).
Mr Weaver said: “On Sunday afternoon I received a telephone call from Mark Forster, the under-19s manager, to tell me of the awful and shocking news that Alex Emmett had passed away.
“It is hard to comprehend that such a young and fit lad is not with us anymore.
“Alex was the ‘Mr Reliable’ from the under-19s squad.
“In each of the games and training sessions that I saw Alex play, he acquitted himself with great intelligence and honesty.
“This is a huge blow for the under-19s team, many of whom have grown up playing alongside Alex.
“He really was a popular figure with his team-mates.
“The whole of the club is hurting right now but our immediate thoughts are with Jack, who was Alex’s twin brother, his younger sister Laura and Mr and Mrs Emmett.
“We must give them all the support we can.”
Alex made 16 appearances at Harrogate Town, who were at the top of the York FA Under-19s Division 1.
He had hoped to follow in his brother’s footsteps and take the step up to the first team.
Jack recently played in the County Cup victory at Ossett Albion.
A player profile online at Harrogate Town AFC’s official website, reads: “Alex can play anywhere along the backline. He is strong and committed and has a good football brain. An integral member of our side.”
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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Temperature: 8 C to 21 C
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Wind direction: East
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