- Newcastle junior graduate Michael Newberry has died suddenly aged 27
- Cliftonville, his Northern Ireland club, pays tribute to the defender
- LISTEN NOW: It's all starting! New line-up, some new faces, but optimism has faded at Old Trafford
Newcastle United youth player Michael Newberry has died suddenly at the age of 27.
His club, Cliftonville, which plays in the Northern Ireland Football League, issued a statement expressing its devastation on Monday, Newberry's 27th birthday.
“The Cliftonville Football Club is devastated to learn of the sudden death of Michael Newberry,” the statement read.
“Our sincere condolences are extended to Michael's family and friends, as well as the many teammates he played with during his career, and to the fans who will be shocked and saddened by this heartbreaking news at this very difficult time.
'Tonight's scheduled match with Dungannon Swifts at Solitude has been postponed.
“Rest in peace, Newbs.”
Michael Newberry began his career at local club Newcastle United.
The defender played for both Linfield (pictured) and Clintonville in Northern Ireland.
Newberry won two Irish Premiership titles during his three years at Linfield
Newberry joined his hometown club Newcastle aged 11 and was awarded their 'Wor Jackie Trophy' in 2016, an award given annually to Newcastle's best young talent.
He then spent a season in Iceland with Vikingur before joining Linfield in 2021.
The Northern Ireland under-21 international spent three years with the Belfast club, winning two Irish Premiership titles before moving across town to join Cliftonville in July this year.
Linfield also issued a statement upon hearing the news saying: “The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the club are with Michael's family and friends at this very sad time.”
The NI Football League said they extend their “deepest condolences to Michael's family, friends and everyone associated with Cliftonville Football Club at this sad time.”