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Tributes paid to ‘terrific’ 24 year old non league player Ross Aikenhead after tragic death

Tributes have been paid to ‘terrific’ 24 year old non league player Ross Aikenhead after his tragic death was announced at the weekend.

9th tier Winsford United confirmed in a statement that he had died, saying: “It’s with deep sadness that we have to announce that our player Ross Aikenhead has sadly passed away.

“Ross was a fantastic young man and a terrific footballer. He will be sorely missed by everyone associated with the club, our heartfelt sympathy goes out to all of Ross’s family and friends. RIP Ross.”

His former club Wythenshawe Town, who he played for in the early part of the season, also confirmed a minute’s applause would be held in his memory before their game on Bank Holiday Monday.

The club said: “On behalf of everyone at Wythenshawe Town FC we send our deepest condolences to the family of Ross Aikenhead, Ross played with us in preseason and early part of the current season. At tomorrow’s game there will be a minutes applause before the game in remembrance for Ross.”

Sandbach United also responded to the Winsford United statement: “How incredibly sad. RIP Ross, it was only a week ago we saw you on our pitch causing our defence havoc. Our thoughts at Sandbach are with the Aikenhead family and Winsford United.”

STATEMENT FROM HIS FATHER:

Message from John Aikenhead

“I am the proud father of Ross Aikenhead. For people who didn’t know, Ross had epilepsy and this is what led to him being taken from us far too soon.

“The world will be a different place now for anyone who knew Ross. He was a beautiful boy with an infectious smile.

“I am determined not to live my life sad every day because he is not here. It is my mission to carry him in my heart and smile, not cry, when I think of him.

“Ross adored his football and anyone who knows me knows how much I loved to watch him play. He played for so many teams in his short life.

“I am so thankful for the lovely words from all the clubs he has played for : Hyde Utd, Wythenshawe Amateurs, Wythenshawe Town and Broadheath Central. I have never seen him so happy as he has been lately, playing at Winsford Utd. He was living his best life and was destined for better things.

“I will always be grateful for the way Winsford welcomed him and helped him flourish. I watched him grow stronger as a footballer, a leader and a man. They helped him find his confidence and his voice.

“I am overwhelmed by the amount of messages and tributes showing the love people had for my son.

“If anyone would like to attend Winsford Utd on Thursday 4th April at 19:45pm there will be a tribute to Ross before kick off.

“Ross was loved much more than words can say and he will be deeply missed by all but especially by me, his mum, Sam, his sister Maisie and his brothers, Joel and Luke.”

The North West Counties Football League said via their website: “All of us at the NWCFL are deeply saddened to hear of Ross’s passing and we wish to send our sincere condolences to his family, friends and all at Winsford United.”

No cause of death has been announced.

Winsford’s game against Cheadle Heath Nomads on Saturday had been called off due to ‘unforeseen circumstances’, though it is not known if this was linked to Aikenhead’s death.

Other clubs that he had played against also paid respect on social media, saying that he had caused ‘havoc’ to their defence in the past and that he will be missed both ‘on and off the football pitch’.

A book of condolence has also been placed in the bar at Winsford.

Tributes continue to be paid to the ‘terrific’ 24 year old non league player Ross Aikenhead after his tragic death…

@MatthewTorbitt: I’m so sorry to hear this. May he rest in peace. Sending love and strength to his family, friends, teammates and all of those at the club.

@andygray3: Can’t believe only a few days ago he was on the pitch playing against us. So sad, thoughts go out to his family, friends and everyone at @WinsfordUnited heartbreaking news 💔⚽️

@Real_DCJ: RIP and prayers to his family

@OJMartin_: So sorry to hear this, everyone has said what a great lad he was, will be missed 100% 🤍

@chorleyawaydays: Shocking this, thoughts with all the family, friends and your football club x

@Jpannoucerssv: This is heartbreaking, as my colleagues at Stockport town have said our thoughts and prayers go to all at winsford, rip ross 🌹

@liam_kelly3: That’s absolutely horrendous. Top player when we played at your place, we couldn’t get near him. I send the condolences of everyone to associated @EccleshallFC to your club, Ross’s friends and family.

@AlanHarrison60: Was shocked to hear about this before our (AFC Liverpool) game on Saturday. All my thoughts and prayers are with you all at Winsford United and of course Ross’s family and friends. YNWA RIP Young Man!

@NMTmcfc: Incredibly sad, known Ross for a good while, never not a smile on his face and a talent to match, puts things in life into perspective, thoughts and condolences to all the family and friends. RIP Ross x

@Joshpeterchrist: Thinking of everyone at the club and all his family and friends at this difficult time 😢

@miguelinho2910: Just horrible, horrible news, my thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends at this terribly sad time

@kevin09177010: Absolutely gutted when I heard this sad news. Had some right laughs while you played for central. Rest in peace pal

@Eke1866: Had the privilege to see this young guy play this season whilst my lad was on loan. He instantly stood out – hard working, motivating and irrepressible. We are shocked and saddened to hear this awful news. I pray the lord to comfort his family and all that new him. RIP, Ross 🙏🏽

@Ianegerton1974: Absolutely devastating news of a wonderfully talented footballer who had his whole life ahead of him. All our deepest condolences go out to the family of Ross and everyone at Winsford United. RIP Ross 💚

@mcrlukemcr: Ross you were a diamond lad and im glad I was able to grace a football pitch with you as you are super talented 🙏🏽 RIP sending love you all your family and mates ❤️

@agomes_47: Your infectious smile and laugh will be missed by many my friend. Spent some funny moments together in school in form and lessons😢❤️ fly high Aikey you’ll be missed immensely by many 🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️

@Ducko1981: A fantastic footballer but an even more amazing young man. Words can’t express how well thought of he was by everyone he met at the club. He will never be forgotten. Thoughts are with his family. RIP pal. 💔

@JoeDuckworth4: Such sad news, only met Ross a handful of times but always had a smile on his face and made others around him laugh with his presence. Thoughts are with his family and friends. Rest in peace mate ❤️😢

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