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Tributes paid as ex-Celtic, Reading, Rushden and Oxford player dies age 50 after cancer battle

Tributes have been paid as ex-Celtic, Reading, Rushden & Diamonds and Oxford United player Stuart Gray dies age 50 after his cancer battle.

It was confirmed on Saturday (27th January 2024) that Gray, the son of former Leeds United and Scotland winger Eddie Gray, had died at a hospice in Yorkshire after being diagnosed with cancer last year.

Gray found out that by the time his cancer had started showing symptoms, it was usually too advanced for surgery, but the situation was made more complicated as he had been suffering from a chronic liver disease.

Over £50,000 was raised to help the former footballer with his treatment with a GoFundMe page set up by his brother Nick, and donations continue to come in to help the family.

He thanked well-wishers, saying recently: “To all the people who have donated and sent messages and good wishes, I want to say how deeply thankful I am to each and every one of you. It means the world to me and my family to see the support we have. Love Stuart x”

“Unfortunately, time is not on my side, and to wait for approval of these various experimental treatments, and then for the treatments to be administered by the NHS, will likely take years.

“Accessing these drugs and treatments privately is costly and can be difficult.

“My family and I will be posting regular updates along the way and will be partaking in various fundraising efforts to help pay for any treatment that may be needed in the coming months and, God willing, years.

“Any help or support you can offer during this process would be appreciated more than you will ever know.”

Celtic said in tribute: “Everyone at Celtic is deeply saddened by the news that former Celt, Stuart Gray has passed away after illness at the age of 50.

“The midfielder, son of Eddie and nephew of Frank Gray, both stars of the famed Leeds United side of the early 1970s, came through the youth ranks at Celtic and made his debut in a 1-0 home win over Aberdeen on May 1, 1993.

“That was the first of 32 games for the Hoops in which he scored one goal, with the strike coming in a 4-1 home win over Raith Rovers in May 1996.

“Stuart joined Tommy Burns’ Reading side in 1998 and was there for three years before going on to play with Rushden & Diamonds for four years where he made 142 appearances.

‘The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Celtic Park are with Stuart’s family and friends at this very sad time.

“The Celtic players will wear black armbands in tribute to Stuart at today’s game against Ross County.”

Oxford United said before their game: “Everyone at Oxford United was saddened to learn of the death of our former winger Stuart Gray.

“The former Celtic player joined Oxford from Rushden & Diamonds in August 2005 to link up again with manager Brian Talbot.

“He made 11 appearances for the U’s, with his final game coming in February 2006 before injury ended his professional career.

“Stuart had been bravely fighting Cholangiocarcinoma, a very rare and highly aggressive form of cancer. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”

Leeds said in a statement: “Leeds United are deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Stuart Gray, at the age of 50.

“Stuart, the son of Leeds United legend Eddie Gray and nephew of Frank, has very sadly passed away after a battle with illness.

“Following in the famous family footsteps, Stuart represented a number of clubs across the United Kingdom, including Celtic, Reading, Rushden & Diamonds, as well as Oxford United.

“Everyone at Leeds United would like to send their best wishes and love at this time to Eddie and his wife Linda, along with the entire Gray family, and Stuart’s friends.”

AFC Rushden & Diamonds wrote: “All at AFC Rushden & Diamonds are devastated to learn of the passing of former captain and double-promotion winner Stuart Gray.

“Stuart, whilst very unwell, attended our Legends Day last summer. Our thoughts are with his young family. Rest in peace, Stuart. 💎”

Guiseley said in their post: “We are saddened to hear of Stuart Gray’s passing at the age of 50. Stuart came to the club as a player before going on to work as a coach with our reserves team and academy. Our thoughts are with Stuart’s family and friends at this sad time.”

Stuart Gray also portrayed his father Eddie Gray in the 2009 film The Damned United.

Reading also tweeted before their League One fixture with Leyton Orient: “The club are deeply saddened to hear the passing of former Royal, Stuart Gray.

“The Scottish international was one of our seven deadline day signings in March 1998 from Celtic.

“When he arrived from Celtic, he went on to make 52 appearances and scored two goals – before leaving the club in March 2001 to join Rushden & Diamonds.

“The club would like to send their best wishes to his family and friends at this difficult time.”

More tributes were paid as ex-Celtic, Reading, Rushden and Oxford player Stuart Gray dies age 50 after a battle with cancer…

@Heathbell52: Very sad. Stuart was my postie for a while. Condolences to all the Gray family.

@WhinmoorWhite: Such very sad news to one of the greatest footballing families around 😢 RIP Stuart & huge condolences to the whole of the Gray family

@d1_car: I knew Stu from grassroots football and he was a fantastic bloke and really supportive parent. Absolutely tragic news, thoughts to all the family. RIP Stu x 🙏

@cox_david92878: May he rest in peace, thoughts go out to family & friends……No parent should have to mourn the death of a child irrespective of age, least he isn’t suffering anymore from such a horrible disease

@MrChambers_lufc: That’s so sad and heartbreaking news for the whole of the Gray family especially Eddie and his wife… Sending my love and sincere condolences to the whole family…. R.I.P Stuart. #LUFC 🤍

@Lemmy_is_god: Such sad news, my condolences to his family and friends. RIP 💛💙

@DaveThornton73: So sad and my heart goes out to all the Gray family, especially Eddie. 50 is no age.

@DoctorT1992: Very sad news. I’m sure I speak for many #LUFC fans when I offer sincere condolences to friends, family and Celtic at this sad time.

@Keithharris76: That’s awful news. So young. All thoughts with his family & friends

@tightsaff: Way way way too young . 🙏 Heart goes out to his family and friends . Sad indeed 💚 Walk On

@nickmanor: Sad news. Thoughts are with his family at this sad time 💛🖤

@wolffy64: Losing a child, father etc. is so difficult. I wish the Gray family much strength in these sad times 💔

@ScottMc76453430: I met Stuart when I had a trial at Celtic in 1995. Most guys didn’t look twice at me & some actively ignored me. 2 exceptions were Stuart Gray & Malky MacKay who made me feel welcome & respected. Rest easy Stuart. A fine human being.🍀💚

@DottieC12082106: My sincere and heartfelt condolences to the Gray family. Keeping you all in my prayers.

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