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Tributes paid as ex-Oxford, Rushden, Carlisle, Exeter, York player dies age 39

Tributes have been paid as ex-Oxford, Rushden, Carlisle, Exeter, York player Craig Farrell dies age 39, it was confirmed Monday night.

After spending his youth career with Middlesbrough and Leeds, Farrell initially joined Carlisle on a one-month loan in 2002 before signing a three-year deal with the Cumbrian outfit. During his time at Brunton Park he scored 24 goals in 95 appearances.

The former England under-16 international, who made three appearances for his country at youth level, spent a year with Exeter City before joining York City, and went on to play for several other non league clubs.

CARLISLE STATEMENT:

Everyone at Carlisle United Football Club is deeply saddened this evening to learn of the passing of Craig Farrell.

Craig, 39, was with the Blues for just under three years scoring 24 goals in 95 appearances, which included a fine introduction to Brunton Park with a goal on his debut against Torquay having initially joined the club for a one-month loan spell from Leeds.

A total of four goals that month prompted discussions about a permanent move, and that was all finalised in November 2002 when he penned a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

That first season was his best with the club, with 14 goals netted in 41 appearances, but a run of five goals in seven outings through March and April 2004 was part of a revival under manager Paul Simpson which almost saved the club from the drop into the Conference, and it was a peak in form which confirmed him as a favourite with many of the fans.

Boro born Farrell started his career with his hometown club before being snapped up by Leeds at the tender age of 15.

He went on to play for Exeter, York, Oxford, Rushden and Telford when he moved on from Cumbria and latterly had spells with Hinckley United, Blyth Spartans and Whitby Town.

Chairman Andrew Jenkins said: “I am so sorry to hear this news, Craig was such a likeable young man and I think it’s fair to say we all wanted him to do well when Roddy [Collins] brought him over from Leeds.

“He impressed everybody with his attitude and he settled quickly, scoring some good goals through his first season with us.

“I remember him as someone who got his head down and worked hard, and I think we can all agree that 39 is such a young age.

“Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this very sad time.”

Manager Paul Simpson said: “This is incredibly sad news. He was a really decent bloke and was a good lad to have in the group.

“I speak on behalf of everybody at the club when I say that our thoughts are with his family and friends.”

Youth career
1991–1998 – Middlesbrough
1998–2002 – Leeds United

Senior career
2002 – Leeds United
2002 → Carlisle United (loan) – 7 games (3 goals)
2002–2005 – Carlisle United – 74 games (17 goals)
2005–2006 – Exeter City – 38 games (8 goals)
2006–2009 – York City – 91 games (21 goals)
2009 → Oxford United (loan) – 15 games (2 goals)
2009–2011 – Rushden & Diamonds – 68 games (12 goals)
2011–2012 – AFC Telford United – 16 games (2 goals)
2012 → Hinckley United (loan) – 4 games (1 goal)
2012 – Hinckley United – 12 games (5 goals)
2012 – Blyth Spartans
2012–2015 – Whitby Town
Total – 325 games (71 goals)

National team
1999 – England U16 – 3 games (1)

As mentioned, tributes have been paid as the ex-Oxford, Rushden, Carlisle, Exeter, York player dies age 39…

@EdDavis1988: Very sad to hear the news about the passing of Craig Farrell. Very much enjoyed watching him in his season with City. May he rest in peace. 🙏🏻

@Lemmy_is_god: Terrible news, so young. My sympathies to his family and friends. 💛💙

@aliiwolfe: No age to lose your life. Rest in peace Craig 💛💙

@TheDogs1977: R.I.P. far too young 😢

@AlStHelens: Such sad news, always gave 100% in the City shirt. R.i.P Craig and God bless

@bigox67: So sad to wake up to this news. 39 is no age. R.I.P fellow yellow.

@iandwightbenton: What a grafter, Clayton Donaldson owed a lot to him for his awesome season back in the Brazil style kit. RIP Craig #ycfc #ecfc

@cmjdullaway: Always sad to hear the passing of anyone so young. All the best to his family 💚

@dweezil1000: Bloody hell!!!! Had some great games for us. Sad news….🙁😖😞😟

@MickCordukes: Such sad news . I have an autographed ball signed by Craig and the manager at the time Billy Mcewan , both sadly not with us anymore 😢

@adam_brig: RIP. So young. 39 is no age to die

@RichardWillcock: Terrible news, thoughts with his family. Far too young. Loved watching Faz play.

@reeee1993: Terrible news 😪 great player… 39 is no age

@1StevieKilner: Always liked Craig – went about his work quietly and effectively. And he gave it his absolute best when he pulled on the shirt, which is all you can ask. More importantly, it’s terribly sad and such a young age. My thoughts are with Craig’s friends and family. RIP 💙

@StrickenOffice: Great player and remember queuing up with him to get into an ex pros match at taddy and him joking about not being fit enough to play. So sorry to hear this.

@elvingtonred2: Effing hell! I can’t believe that. R.I.P. Craig, I’m shocked. Condolences to his family

@LucanHawes: That’s shocking news. Thoughts go out to his family and close friends. Taken way way too early. RIP Faz, always a 100% lad ❤️💙

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