Tributes pour in after former Falkirk footballer Chris Mitchell dies aged 27
Friends and former colleagues speak of their shock
There are tributes today to former Falkirk and Livingston footballer Chris Mitchell, who has died at the age of 27.
He It is understood he died after being hit by a train near Stirling. Police said there were no suspicious circumstances.
His former team-mates at Falkirk, Clyde and Queen of the South paid tribute to the footballer following his death at the weekend, describing him as a “great guy”.
He had left Cumbernauld-based Clyde in January for a full-time job after making 18 appearances.
Manager Barry Ferguson, staff and players received the news about Mr Mitchell's death as they travelled back from their match in Elgin on Saturday.
The club announced that a minute's silence would be observed before the League One play-off match against Queen's Park at Broadwood on Tuesday night. Ferguson said: “We're all totally devastated by the news.
“I signed Chris and got to know him as his manager; he was an important part of our team. On the park he was great for me and he had one of the best set-piece deliveries I've worked with in football.
“In addition to that I can honestly say, hand on heart, I never had a minute's trouble with Chris. He was an excellent professional.
“He was a great guy around the dressing room. It's sometimes easy to say these things after tragic news, but it's completely true.
“I was really disappointed to lose him from the squad in January, but I had to respect the opportunity he had in full-time employment. We were both open to the idea of him coming back to Clyde in the future.
“Our condolences go out to Chris's family and our thoughts are with them. I know that the boys will give it everything in the play-off final this week for Chris, to do him and his family proud.”
Queen of the South also released a statement saying: “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.”