Tributes have been paid to a young South Derbyshire footballer who has died suddenly.

Jack Gallagher had just broken into the first team at Gresley Rovers FC in midfield. The club has issued a statement saying how it had learned he had died earlier this week.

The footballer, who was known to his teammates as Gally, had only signed for the first team last month, according to the club's website.

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A spokesman for Gresley Rovers FC said: "It is with great sadness to learn of the passing of our first team player Jack Gallagher. "Gally" had been with our reserves for a number of seasons before recently breaking into the first-team squad.

"All at Gresley Rovers send our thoughts and prayers to his family and friends at this sad time."

In tribute to Mr Gallagher, who is believed in his 20s, a minute's applause was held before the under-18s match with Coalville Town FC last night and all of the money that was taken on the gate will be used to support his family.

Coalville Town also donated £100 to help his family.

The Gresley team spokesman said: "Thank you to everyone that turned up. A performance Gally would have been proud of."

Gresley FC play at the Moat Ground in Church Gresley and are currently second in the United Counties Premier League North.

Other clubs from across the area have also paid tribute to the young footballer.

Newhall United said: "We are saddened to learn of the passing of Jack Gallagher. The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Newhall United are with his friends and family at this time."

Oakthorpe Athletic Reserves said: "It’s with incredible sadness to hear about the passing of Jack Gallagher, a great friend to many at Oakthorpe and anyone who knew him. A minute's silence will be held before this Sunday’s match, and we would like to ask clubs in the area do to the same."