Tributes have been paid to former Scotland Under-21 defender Chris Mitchell who has died, aged 27.
Mitchell spent the first half of this season at League Two side Clyde and the club this afternoon confirmed the tragic news of his death.
Mitchell joined Clyde from Queen of the South and also previously played for Falkirk, Ayr United and Bradford City, while he won seven caps for Scotland at under-21 level.
The popular right back played a key role for the Bully Wee this season – playing 18 games and recording six assists – but was released in January due to work commitments.
Clyde have confirmed that a minute silence will be held before the first leg of the club’s play-off final with Queen’s Park on Tuesday, while fans have also organised a minute of applause on the 16th minute to mark Mitchell’s squad number.
A number of the 27-year-old’s former team mates have taken to social media this afternoon to pay tribute to “an absolute gem of a guy”.
Unfortunately we got horrific news on the way home last night that Chris Mitchell had passed away. A tragedy is understatement.. RIP mate
— Sean Higgins (@seanhiggins1984) May 8, 2016
Utterly devastated to hear my former Falkirk and Ayr United team mate Chris Mitchell passed away Friday. Absolute gem of a guy. #RIPMitch
— Tam McManus (@The_Tman10) May 8, 2016
Can't quite believe the news about Chris mitchell of clyde, terrible terrible news… RIPCHRIS❤️
— Mark Burchill (@Burchyboy27) May 8, 2016
https://www.instagram.com/p/BFJn4JeJLHEWwnkD50wlEbzoPVGNPfQYeF7EK00/
Gutted to hear Chris Mitchell passing away. Absolutely awesome lad and guarantee he was liked by everyone in the dressing room! #RIP #BAIRNS
— Carl Finnigan (@carlfinnigan) May 8, 2016
Absolutely devestated, gutted, heartbroken, stunned to hear last night of the death of my ex team-mate Chris Mitchell, love u bro, #RIPMitch
— dmk1985 (@dmk1985) May 8, 2016
The club is saddened to hear of the recent passing of former player Chris Mitchell. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.
— Bradford City AFC (@officialbantams) May 8, 2016
No words can describe my feelings on the tragic news of Chris Mitchell's death….Too many questions. You'll never be forgotten #FlyHi ??
— Lee Bullen (@BullenFootball) May 8, 2016
Absolutely devastated to hear the news of my former team mate Chris Mitchell. Cracking footballer and a top lad. RIP pal.
— Ryan McStay (@mcstrav85) May 8, 2016