Ex-Waterford defender Roy Butler described as a ‘special kid’ by former boss Roddy Collins following his passing at 23
FORMER Waterford manager Roddy Collins has led tributes to Roy Butler, after the ex-Blues defender passed away at the age of 23.
Butler passed away on Tuesday, uniting those involved in Irish football in a shared sense of loss.
He joined Waterford in 2014, and was voted their under-19 Player of the Season in 2015.
He went on to represent the club's first team, and captained the side under then-manager Roddy Collins in 2016.
Most recently, he returned to Villa FC, for whom he played before joining Waterford, and was on the coaching staff when they won the Munster Youth Cup last year.
Speaking to the Irish Examiner, Roddy Collins paid tribute to Butler, who he described as a "special kid".
He said: "He came into my team as a teen but I soon saw that he became a man, well able to play at centre-back or right-back. He reminded me so mch of Ryan McBride, another young League of Ireland man taken too early.
"Roy was a talented player with a bright future but, more importantly, Roy was a brilliant character."
Most read in Football
In a series of tweets, Waterford FC said they were "deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former player and true Blues fan Roy Butler.
"Roy joined the Blues in 2014 from Villa FC and the tough centre-back became a regular in the club's underage set-up.
"Roy’s passion saw him give back to his club Villa FC as a player, coach and trusted clubman; a valued member of the local club.
"All at Waterford FC wishes to pass it's condolences to Roy's family, friends, and club and team mates."
SHARED GRIEF
Butler's untimely passing has brought the wider Irish footballing family together in grief, with Waterford's fellow LOI clubs expressing their own sympathies.
Meanwhile, Republic of Ireland international Jayson Molumby, who also played for Villa FC for a period, tweeted: "Devastated.
"An unbelievably nice guy. R.I.P. Roy."