Tributes pour in after death of former Tydd player Darren Rawthorn

Football clubs across the area are in mourning after the death of popular player Darren Rawthorn.

The 38-year-old combative midfielder – known as ‘Rawth’ – was a very popular player for Tydd, who have retired the number eight shirt in his memory.

Black armbands were worn by Tydd players during their game at Stamford Belvedere on Saturday, where a minute’s silence was also observed. All Leverington teams also held a minute’s silence for Rawthorn, who also represented Wisbech St Mary at youth and adult levels.

He was also part of the committee which reformed Upwell Town, where he was assistant manager last season. Upwell will also be retiring the number 8 shirt and held a minute’s applause in their game.

Alex Lynn, who reformed the club with Rawthorn, wore his number 8 shirt on Saturday in the 4-3 win against Willingham Wolves,before the shirt was retired.

On Twitter, Lynn joked: "I’d just like to add that I got a typical @Rawth8 yellow card, lucky it wasn’t a red! Love you boy."

Rawthorn turned out for Outwell Swifts and their veterans team too, and the vets say his number 21 shirt will hang in the changing rooms where he sat, and his £5 subs will continue to be paid in every week.

He also played Sunday League football with Marshland St James pub team England’s Hope.

During Wisbech St Mary’s game against Cherry Hinton on Saturday, Michael Chow wore the number eight shirt in Rawthorn’s memory, and a Saints spokesman said: “He was a ferocious competitor and excellent player on the pitch, an immense friend and team mate off it.

“You always wanted Rawth on your team. We join his current and former team mates, friends, and former clubs in sending our condolences to Darren’s family.”