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Tributes pour out as ex-Sheffield United player dies aged 35

Tributes pour out on social media as ex-Sheffield United player and Jamaica legend Luton Sheldon shockingly dies aged 35.

The Blades published a statement, saying that they are saddened to hear reports in the Caribbean announcing the passing of their former striker.

He sadly lost his fight with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis on Friday, something of which is a progressive nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing loss of muscle control.

Shelton began his career with spells at Harbour View in his native Jamaica and Helsingborgs in Sweden, before then being signed up by Neil Warnock in January 2007, making his debut as a substitute in the Premier League defeat at Bolton.

He impressed on his full debut against Manchester United at Old Trafford in a battling 2-0 defeat and played twice more in the top flight for the Blades.

After relegation to the Championship, Luton made 21 appearances the following season in all competitions, scoring four times.

Perhaps his greatest, and most famous, moment in a Blades shirt arrived in January 2008. Luton played a vital role in United’s FA Cup victory over Manchester City when he netted the first goal in a 2-1 win after Lee Martin’s cross deflected kindly into his path off a balloon.

He left Bramall Lane to join Norwegian based side Valerenga in 2008 and also had spells playing in Denmark, Turkey and Russia before returning to Jamaica.

Luton is a legend in his homeland, and still holds Jamaica’s national goalscoring record after netting 35 goals in 75 appearances.

In recent years he has bravely battled Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) – a progressive neurodegenerative disease.

The condolences of all at the Blades are with Luton’s family at this difficult time.

Tributes pour out from fans along with those closer to him on social media as the ex-Sheffield United player dies aged 35…

@Brail1889: Sad news. Will never forget when he played against Man Utd away, he was unbelievable that night. RIP.

@Michell52063398: How sad, so young. Condolences to family, friends and fans

@GV18271: Sorry to hear, very sad, especially at such a young age

@RacingBlade: Taken far too young my sincere condolences go to his family & friends RIP Luton

@TNHaigh: He ripped Man U apart that day . God Bless you Luton . Rest easy mate

@Apogmore99: Always remember goal against Man City when their fans had chucked balloons on pitch & it bounced off one mugging their defender & landed at his feet. RIP Luton

@JamesBarber7: Hero! Scorer of the famous balloon goal and fastest player I’ve seen in a blades shirt. RIP LS7

@matt_scottuk: Remember his pace at Old Trafford, how he never got a penalty for that tackle I’ll never known. RIP Luton

@Stevwrig: Will always remember his brilliant goal away at Layer Road. RIP Luton

@HillBlade1992: Always remember his debut at Man Utd, unplayable that day!

@Richard20162764: Life is so cruel. So young, so talented. Breaks your heart to read stuff like this.

@Webbohouse: I remember the Warnock story about the handkerchief. Warnock told Luton to wave it when he wanted to come off, Kozzy then said he should pass it on to the rest of the team. Sad news, rest in peace x

@nigel_staniland: RIP Luton Shelton, most probably the only other Blade I can think of that would leave Olli Burke behind in a sprint!!! So sad and at such a young

@4BladesInThePub: So sorry to hear of the passing of Luton Shelton. What a horrible disease he’s suffered from at a young age and with a young family. Once a Blade, always a Blade. RIP. #sufc #twitterblades

@Ianwoodruff1302: Rip Luton remember him having his best game at Old Trafford the season we went down 2007 such a sad loss young age to

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