Tragedy as ‘terrific’ footballer dies with club paying tribute to ‘fantastic young man’ who will be ‘sorely missed’

TRIBUTES have flooded in for a “terrific footballer” following his tragic death.

Ross Aikenhead, aged in his 20s, was a “fantastic young man”, said his club Winsford United FC.

Tributes have flooded in for Ross Aikenhead following his death, pictured here in Wythenshawe FC’s kit

His club, Winsford United FC, said Ross will be ‘sorely missed’

The Cheshire side, which plays in the North West Counties League, said Ross will be “sorely missed”.

The team wrote: “It’s with deep sadness that we have to announce that our player Ross Aikenhead has sadly passed away.

“Ross was a fantastic young man and a terrific footballer.

“He will be sorely missed by everyone associated with the club, our heartfelt sympathy goes out to all of Ross’s family and friends.

“RIP Ross.”

His cause of death has not been disclosed.

Former teammates said they were devastated by Ross’s passing.

They remembered a “polite and friendly” man who was one of the “nicest lads on and off the pitch”.

One said: “Absolutely devastating news this.

“I’ve played with Ross at 4 different clubs (Sat/Sun) and he was a fantastic footballer, but more importantly an even better lad. Sending all my love to the Aikenhead family x.”

Another said Ross “demanded the best out of his team mates week in week out”.

They added: “No one can fault that he is one of the nicest lads you will ever meet on and off the pitch.”

And a third penned: “Rest in peace Ross. A top lad, Always so polite and friendly. Wanting to learn and improve.”

Earlier this month, Winsford shared videos of Ross smashing in two penalties against Colne FC.

Wythenshawe FC, whom Ross briefly played for, also paid tribute.

The south Manchester club wrote on Facebook: “On behalf of everyone at Wythenshawe Town FC we send our deepest condolences to the family of Ross Aikenhead.

“Ross played with us in preseason and early part of the current season.”

Wythenshawe FC will hold a minutes applause in tribute to Ross before their clash with Wythenshawe Town on Monday.

Winsford Town FC said they were devastated by the sad news.

They wrote on Facebook: “Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to Winsford United and the family and friends of Ross Aikenhead who sadly passed away over the weekend.

“Such sad news. Rest in peace Ross.”