Tributes to 'absolutely wonderful' footballer killed in car crash on way to game

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

A popular footballer died in a car crash on the way to play for his side in a cup fixture. Tributes are pouring in for much-loved Tom Collier.

His club said it was in 'deep shock' and a local league described Tom as 'an absolutely wonderful human being'. READ MORE: Tom, a centre forward, played for The Hammer & Pincers FC, who play in Division One of the Sheffield and District Fair Play League, reports Yorkshire Live.

He died, the club said, in a collision on his way to play against Sheffield Wanderers on Saturday, February 5. The club said in a statement: "It is with a heavy heart that Hammer & Pincers Football Club is mourning the death of our No 9 Tom Collier, who tragically died in a car accident on the way to our cup game against Sheffield Wanderers FC. "While all of our members are in deep shock, our thoughts and prayers are with his brother, Joe, and his family at this tragic time. "The club will also support our players and coaches, who are devastated at the loss of a very popular team-mate." Matthew Handisides called Collie a 'great player and a great kid plus a great teammate', reports Yorkshire Live.

KickAbout, a local seven-a-side football league, said they, too, were devastated. In a statement on their Facebook page, the league said: "It is with the utmost shock and devastation, that the awful news has reached us that one of our regular players, Tom Collier, has passed away. "Tom was an absolutely wonderful human being who we were privileged to have known and spent time in his company. "Our thoughts are with his brother Joe, the rest of his family, and the countless number of friends and fellow players whose lives he touched and will be in mourning tonight. "God bless you Tom, you will live long in our