Tributes paid after sudden death of Scottish footballer Chris Mitchell at 27

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TRIBUTES have poured in after a Scottish footballer who had spells at Clyde, Queen of the South and Falkirk has died at the age of 27.

 

Professional footballers, his former clubs and fans paid tribute to Chris Mitchell who began his senior career with Falkirk in 2007.

 

It is unclear how the midfielder died but his death has been described as sudden.

 

He made 18 appearances for Clyde FC this season before quitting the club to focus on his full-time job.

 

His former club Clyde FC have announced that they will hold a minute silence before the League 1 play-off match against Queen's Park at Broadwood on Tuesday night in memory of Chris.

 

A spokesman for Clyde FC said: "Everyone connected with Clyde FC was shocked and saddened to learn of the death of Chris Mitchell, at the age of just 27, this weekend.

 

"Chris featured for The Bully Wee during the first half of the 2015-16 season, after joining the club from Queen of the South last summer. He made a significant contribution to the campaign, featuring in 18 matches and recording six assists.

 

"In January, it was announced that Chris was leaving the club, due to the travel commitments required of a new full-time job. Commenting on the news at that time, Barry Ferguson praised Chris for his performances and his overall professionalism.

 

"Throughout his football career, Chris also played for Falkirk, Ayr United and Bradford City, and won seven caps at Scotland under-21 level.

 

"Barry Ferguson, his staff and the players received the news when they were travelling back from Elgin as a group, and are today still coming to terms with the loss.

 

"The thoughts of everyone connected with Clyde FC are with Chris' family and friends at this extremely difficult time. A minute’s silence will be observed before the League 1 play-off match against Queen's Park at Broadwood on Tuesday night in memory of Chris."

 

Queen of the South also paid tribute to the player who was at the club between 2012 and 2015.

 

A spokesman for Queen of the South said: "Everyone at Queens is saddened to hear of the sudden death of Chris Mitchell who was a double winner with us in 2013.

 

"Chris, who scored a penalty in the Ramsdens Cup Final shoot out against Partick Thistle, moved on to Clyde last summer.

 

"Our condolences and thoughts go out to his family and friends, of which there are many still here at the club.

 

"Rest in peace Mitch."

 

His former club Falkirk also commented on the news.

 

A spokesman for Falkirk FC said: "It is with deep regret that Falkirk FC record the sad passing of Academy Graduate, Chris Mitchell.

 

"Chris was a product of the Falkirk Academy and successfully graduated before making his debut for the first team at the age of 19 in a match against Motherwell. He went on to make 51 appearances for the club between July 2006 to July 2011.

 

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