Football Reacts To Sudden Death Of Ugo Ehiogu

The former England defender Ugo Ehiogu died suddenly after suffering a cardiac arrest this morning while working at Tottenham Hotspur’s training centre, where he was the club’s Under-23s coach.

Ehiogu, who was 44, was taken to hospital but died in the early hours of Friday morning.

A towering, strong centre-back, the London-born defender spent the bulk of his career at Aston Villa and Middlesborough, but also appeared for West Brom, Leeds United, Rangers and Sheffield United, as well as being capped by England four times. He made over 200 appearances for Aston Villa between 1991 and 2000, winning the League Cup in 1994 and 1996, before spending seven years in the north-east at Middlesbrough, where he picked up the same title for a third time in 2004.

There will be a minute’s applause during the derby between Aston Villa and their local rivals Birmingham City this coming Sunday. After retiring from playing in 2009, Ehiogu worked with the England under-20 team and was part of Peter Taylor’s coaching team at the U20 World Cup.

Since the news there has been plenty of heartfelt reaction to the tragic news across social media.
Can’t believe the news that Ugo Ehiogu has passed away. Calm & warming vibe when in his company. My heart goes out to his family! #RIPUgo
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) April 21, 2017
So cruel, & tragic, the loss of a true footballing gent. He made friends wherever he went & will be sadly missed by so many. RIP Ugo Ehiogu pic.twitter.com/IipvB4sutc — Jake Humphrey (@mrjakehumphrey) April 21, 2017
This was Ugo Ehiogu’s last tweet.#dosomethingkind https://t.co/1mJ5ZXzUxV pic.twitter.com/pbTu5olCGO
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) April 21, 2017
Devastating news that Ugo Ehiogu has died. He made a memorable impact in Scottish football during his great career. 👏🏻👏🏻 #ripugo pic.twitter.com/PLecV7lPm3 — talkingbaws (@talkingbaws) April 21, 2017
Desperate news. Ugo Ehiogu was a fine defender, a caring, thoughtful coach and a wonderful person. Thoughts with his family and friends. RIP https://t.co/B0MnBsDLB8
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) April 21, 2017
Incredibly sad news this morning about the passing of former Boro defender Ugo Ehiogu. Rest In Peace Ugo. pic.twitter.com/uP2WSo3V7o — EverythingMFC (@EverythingMFC) April 21, 2017

About the author

Luke Bradshaw

Sports Editor

Luke was born and raised in various parts of south London, before studying Politics and Social Psychology at Loughborough University. His time in the midlands was limited to his study and upon his return to the capital (via the obligatory travelling in between), wrote for a number of different local and national publications, before moving into the editorial side of things. Aside from the obvious interest in sport, he loves food, travel, reading and film, but if any can somehow incorporate sport in the process, then all the better.