It is with great sadness the club learned of the death of former youth team player Richard Hawcroft.
The 31-year-old fell ill during a pre-season friendly for FC Real Bridge on Sunday as they took on Balby Rovers and later passed away in hospital.Richard came up through the Iron’s youth team, alongside best friend Andy Butler, making 47 appearances for the academy side between 2000 and 2002 along with nine starts and two substitute appearances for United’s reserve team in 2001/02.
He also was on the bench for the youth side’s cup game against Manchester United in January 2001 played at Old Trafford.
Following his departure from the club, Richard continued to play football, most recently in the Sunday league, but also set up his own physiotherapy and sports injuries clinic, with the former FC Wadworth player holding Bachelor of Health Sciences Honours in Physiotherapy.
The clubs thoughts are solely with the family and friends of Richard, with our deepest condolences sent to them and FC Real Bridge at this difficult time.