Former Crystal Palace and Croydon FC player Oliver Spedding who became a porn star, has died aged 34, with those who knew him paying tribute.
News of his death was confirmed last week, with a minute’s silence held before his old team Croydon played with teammates describing him as the ‘madman with a massive heart’.
Spedding spent days as a youth player at Crystal Palace and also also played for Croydon, before calling quits on football, went into painting and decorating before going into the porn industry. He was also the boyfriend of adult film star Sophie Anderson, who he had been with since 2017 while on set.
He said on a podcast in 2022: ‘People used to say to me, “You’re doing it all anyway”, because they knew I used to sleep with girls, I was a player – and they said, “You might as well get paid for it”.
‘But it wasn’t until I had the confidence to actually do it – it was a whole different ball game.
‘When I was at Crystal Palace, if I’d have stayed with them, then I could have been earning a lot more playing football. I used to fight as well, maybe that could have gone somewhere.
‘I was good at both of those things, but being a porn star, I thought that would be just as good – but it’s not as good as people think.’
See more on his admission that the job wasn’t as fun as he expected by clicking HERE or by watching the video below.
Former Crystal Palace and Croydon player who became porn star has died aged 34
Croydon FC wrote via their website last week: “Croydon FC are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former player, Oliver Spedding.
“Oliver played for the club over a couple of spells and was a much loved individual who always gave his utmost effort for the team.
“Oliver will be hugely missed by everyone at the club and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.
“There will be a minute’s silence at this Saturday’s home match in memory of Oliver, with a further tribute to follow in the coming weeks.
“Rest in Peace, Ollie. Once a Tram, always a Tram ❤️🚃”
Croydon manager Liam Giles said Oliver had been potentially making a return to playing: “Such heartbreaking news, Ollie was a warrior on the pitch and gave 100% every time he represented Croydon.
“We spoke a couple of weeks ago about him getting back into football. I hope you find your peace mate. Sleep Tight.”
Ex-centre-back teammate Kieran Rufus added: “I don’t really know what to say but I’m genuinely so hurt by the news of the passing of Ollie.
“For a time was my CB partner at Croydon FC and a lovely guy who I can only say good things about.
“RIP my bro and my heart goes out to his family.”
Croydon went on to win against Meridan FC in the London Senior Trophy, with Kieran Rufus saying after the game: “That win and that clean sheet were for Ollie today.”
Spedding’s cause of death hasn’t been disclosed, with his girlfriend last sharing a photo with Oliver 15 weeks ago on Instagram.
However, love and support has since been sent her way in the comments of her posts.
Literally spoke to him last Friday?!! 💔 Genuinely one of the nicest people I have met. Rest in Peace Ollie 🕊💯💙 https://t.co/dVAeC0diZn
— Sean Boothe (@SatNavtheGooner) November 17, 2023
It’s hard enough for some of a lot of us. Let alone the brave father of our dear friend Ollie passing away. Mr and Mrs Spedding your son is loved by us all at Croydon. Once a tram always a tram pic.twitter.com/PpBijYeJbP
— Jason Campbell (@Bestkeepercoach) November 19, 2023
@NOliver11: Rest In Peace Ollie taken way too soon. Top guy and a character in the dressing room. Always be remembered 👼🏽❤️🙌🏽
@MrSauce1989: When I heard this yesterday was baffled man spoke to him not even a week ago crazy guy but such a good heart ❤️ man sadly missed
@GaVzOfficial: What a character & all round good guy…you’ll be missed 😔 RIP bro fly high 🕊️ condolences to the Spedding family! 🙏🏾
@ZedP88: RIP ollie. A madman with a massive heart. Who was always genuine. From 16/17 i knew he was a good guy. Life is a crazy one ay. I know he will be partying up there for sure. 😞 💙
@therealiqqy: RIP ❤️ quality defender
@DurhamFA: Sending condolences to all of Oliver’s friends and family from us all at Durham County FA.
@liam_blencowe: RIP Ollie. Proper character and a great player! You’ll be sorely missed mate ❤️
@JamieLeggett1: RIP Ollie gone too soon ❤️
@Quainy_A: Rip Ollie. Really was one in a million ❤️
@nonleaguesonic: Hard Man with good heart guy, you’ll be missed my CB. RIP Ollie and condolences to the Spedding family! 😔
@mc9mikes: I’m in so much shock… RIP Ollie, a genuine winner on the pitch and an all round good guy ❤️
@BiGz__9o: Talk about characters on the pitch, Ollie was one off it too. Great guy, will be missed by many but thoughts to his young twin girls and family, R.i.p fella it was a pleasure
@Sutherland9_ty: RIP Ollie 😞🙏🏾❤️
@RColtress: May he rest in eternal peace ❤️🕊️
@KB_AFC_: What a guy man, Rest easy my brother ❤️🙏🏽
Rip to the 1 and only ollie. This is defenetley 1 person who i knew stayed true to his self. Most people can light up a room but this is someone who could lite up stadiums. At peace know mate 😥 pic.twitter.com/gORANDm3W7
— Tower (@Tower2131597746) November 17, 2023
I don’t really know what to say but I’m genuinely so hurt by the news of the passing of Ollie. For a time was my CB partner at @Croydon_FC and a lovely guy who I can only say good things about. RIP my bro and my heart goes out to his family. Watch down on us 🙏🏽💙🚃gone too soon x pic.twitter.com/XRelNEnB8G
— Kieran Rufus (@KieranRufus) November 17, 2023
You must be logged in to post a comment Login