Touching tributes have been paid from fans across the country to Mansfield Town academy physio Matt Salmon, who died just days after announcing his retirement aged 25 due to terminal cancer.
Matt, who was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2010, announced he was leaving football on Wednesday (May 24) following a recent consultation with doctors.
Mansfield Town released a statement on Saturday morning saying “in his final hours, he was surrounded by his family and passed away peacefully”.
Thousands of fans from clubs across the country have since posted messages of support online.
James Morris wrote on Facebook: “I never meet you personally but you treated my son Owen and identified a problem that the consultants and physios at the hospital had missed and helped start getting him on the road to fitness even if it maybe a long one, your support on that road will be very sadly missed and your work and professionalism was 2nd to none. Thank you.All our thoughts are with your family and friends.”
Other fans from Derby, Luton, Wimbledon, Exeter City, Nottingham Forest and Notts County and dozens of other clubs have also paid tribute.
The 25-year-old enjoyed three-and-a-half-years at the club, which included a spell as first team physiotherapist.
Chairman John Radford said: “We are terribly sad to receive this news. Matt was a true credit to himself and his family.
“He will be remembered by everyone at Mansfield Town for his enthusiasm and the second-to-none quality of care in the treatment and rehabilitation of players. But above all that, he was a thoroughly decent person and we will miss him.
“We offer our sincere condolences to Matt’s family at this very sad time.”
Manager Steve Evans said: “It would be fair to say that this is a real sad day for everyone connected with Mansfield Town Football Club.
“As soon as I heard the news this afternoon, it dampened by heart and my thoughts immediately go to Matt’s family.
“They have lost a wonderful husband, son and brother and we, his football family, have not only lost an outstanding professional, but a true friend.”
In a statement, youth directors Mark Hawkins and Steve Hymas said: “Matt was an inspirational person, taken far too young.
“His dedication to Mansfield Town Football Club knew no limits and he will be forever remembered by everyone at the academy. Matt was so proud to work at Mansfield Town Football Club and we were so proud to have him as a valuable member of our team.
“His input towards the club’s acquirement of EPPP status was remarkable and he has helped lay the foundations to help improve the quality of players for future generations at the Football Club.
“Above all, we will remember Matt as a caring, warm young man with an admirable spirit, who loved his job and the people with whom he worked. We hold in our thoughts his family at this sad time.”
Academy manager John Dempster said: “Matt has been taken from his family and friends far too soon, but the foundations he has laid at the academy will live on for years to come, along with the wonderful memories we have of him.
“On behalf of all the academy staff, I can say that we were all grateful to work with him on a daily basis and our thoughts are with his family and friends, who he was so proud of. Rest in peace, Matt.”
Speaking on Wednesday, Matt had said: “I have immensely enjoyed every single moment since joining Mansfield Town, three-and-half years ago. Every single member of playing and coaching staff have been incredibly supportive of my situation and have always given me the opportunity to do the job that I love.
“It has been an incredibly difficult decision to resign from my dream job at the age of 25 but unfortunately I have reached a stage where I am not able to give our players the level of care they deserve, something I have strived to do since I joined the club and made a minimum requirement for all medical staff who I’ve had the pleasure of working with.”
