TRIBUTES continue to pour in for Redditch United midfielder Thomas Rankin after he sadly passed away unexpectedly at the age of 26.
Redditch announced the tragic news on Sunday afternoon, just 24 hours after the midfielder had played in their game against AFC Rushden and Diamonds.
The club tweeted: “Redditch United are devastated to hear of passing of midfielder Thomas Rankin.
“Tom has been with the Reds for the past three seasons and his loss will be felt by all at the Club. Our thoughts are with his family at this time.
“RIP Tom.”
Redditch United are devastated to hear of passing of midfielder Thomas Rankin.
Tom has been with the Reds for the past three seasons and his loss will be felt by all at the Club. Our thoughts are with his family at this time.
RIP Tom pic.twitter.com/ldE2b3dsaA
— Redditch United (@RedditchUtd) March 27, 2022
Manager Matt Clarke tweeted: “Life is so precious people. We often take things for granted, I know I do… certain things aren’t that important in the grand scheme of things.
“A special person left us today and words cannot describe how special this lad was.”
Life is so precious people. We often take things for granted i know I do. In reality certain things really aren’t that important in the grand scheme of things. A special person left us today and words cannot describe how special this lad was. 💙💙🙏🏾🙏🏾
— Matt Clarke (@matty263) March 27, 2022
Several local clubs have also paid their respects on social media including two of Rankin’s former teams Bromsgrove Sporting and Leamington FC.
Sporting tweeted: “Devastating news, everyone’s thoughts @sportingfc are with his family at this extremely sad time. RIP Tom.”
Devastating news, everyone's thoughts @sportingfc are with his family at this extremely sad time. RIP Tom
— Bromsgrove Sporting (@SportingFC) March 27, 2022
Leamington tweeted: “Our sincere condolences to everybody at Redditch and to Tom’s friends and family. He played for us briefly upon our return to the National League North 5 years ago. A truly sad loss. Thoughts are with all who knew him.”
Our sincere condolences to everybody at Redditch and to Tom's friends and family. He played for us briefly upon our return to the National League North 5 years ago. A truly sad loss. Thoughts are with all who knew him.
— Leamington FC ⚽️🇺🇦 (@LeamingtonFC) March 27, 2022
