Northern Ireland

Shock as Derry City FC captain Ryan McBride found dead at home

Derry City captain Ryan McBride. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin<br />&nbsp;
Derry City captain Ryan McBride. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin
 
Derry City captain Ryan McBride. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin
 

THERE was widespread shock last night after the captain of Derry City Football Club, Ryan McBride, was found dead at his home.

It is understood that the 27-year-old centre-back was found at his home in the Bluebell Hill Gardens area of the city, in the shadow of the club's Brandywell Stadium, yesterday evening.

Supporters gathered outside the house last night to pay tribute to the popular player, who had led the club to victory just 24 hours earlier against Drogheda United, maintaining Derry's 100 per cent start to the season.

Just a week ago, Mr McBride had scored the winner as Derry beat Shamrock Rovers in Dublin.

Born and bred in the city, the Derry man had made his debut for the club in 2011.

In November last year, he had signed an extension to his contract to keep him at the club until the end of the 2018 season.

Tributes last night poured in from across the footballing world and beyond.

The League of Ireland players union, PFA Ireland, tweeted: "We are shocked to hear this evening the passing of our member and @derrycityfc Captain Ryan McBride. Our thoughts are with his family."

Glentoran FC tweeted: "Deepest heartfelt condolences from all at Glentoran to Ryan's family and to our many friends at Derry City."