'Popular' footballer dies in car accident while on way to game as club pays tribute

A popular football player was killed in a car accident while he was on the way to play a game on Saturday.

Tom Collier, who played as a number 9 for The Hammer & Pincers FC, died in the tragic accident while on the way to play against Sheffield Wanderers.

In a statement confirming his death, Collier's club said its members were struck by shock and the club would offer support to players and coaches affected by Collier's tragic death.

The club's description was echoed by Matthew Handisides, who called Collier a "great player and a great kid plus a great teammate"

KickAbout, a local 7-a-side football league, also said they were devastated.

In a statement released 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 memories."

Collier regularly played for Net Six n Chill in KickAbout's league and in one game scored 5 goals while delivering a mesmerising performance.