Sam Harding: a tribute

Academy graduate Sam Harding was tragically killed in an accident this weekend. Academy manager Tom Conroy paid tribute to him.

"I worked with Sam in our academy for two years in which he showed to be a very good central-midfielder, playing week-in, week-out for the youth team, before eventually training and making appearances for our first team. Technically Sam was one of the best academy players we have ever had, and that was proven when he was successful in England school boy trials, earning caps for his country. 

"He was a very polite lad and a pleasure to coach. Not only did his footballing ability shine but his attitude, work rate and professionalism on and off the pitch was always exemplary. He was a great role model for his peers. Sam would seem quite quiet in and around the lads, however, it was clear that he was a very popular and well liked lad in the academy with his teammates and staff at FC United. 

"Sam is always spoken about to future academy players as a perfect example of the type of player we want at the club, not only with regards to the standard of footballing ability but the type of person he was - kind, polite, hard working and professional.

"He will be sadly missed and I would like to pass my love and condolences to Sam’s family."