Former footballer Gary Pearson has died after collapsing at home. The former Sheffield United, Darlington and York professional was just 45.
He had recently taken over as manager at Billingham Town FC and was looking forward to the new season. Club chairman, Kevin Close, paid tribute to him saying he would have been "the best manager" the club would ever have had.
He told how Gary had passed away two weeks after suffering a heart attack while on the pitch. He had undergone surgery and was relaxing at home where he was expected to make a complete recovery.
It was while he was alone at home that he took ill once again. Despite the swift response of the ambulance service he passed away, reports Teesside Live.
Kevin said those at the club were in shock at hearing the news Gary had died at home on Thursday. He said their thoughts are with Gary's family, including his wife and two daughters.
"He was so fit and healthy, we are just in shock. A couple of weeks ago he had a heart attack while on the pitch and was taken to James Cook Hospital. They put a stent in and he was expected to make a full recovery," Kevin said.
"He was at home, relaxing like he was told to do, for a few weeks. He said he was feeling unwell and collapsed in the house."
Kevin said the ambulance crew arrived within a few minutes, but despite their best efforts Gary passed away. He said: "We are all just devastated. He was one of the best blokes."
Gary, who hailed from Seaham, was only appointed to Billingham Town FC at the end of May and Kevin said both of them were really excited for the future of the club. He said: "I wanted a brilliant manager for Billingham and I got one.
"He had a great vison. He was so enthusiastic and got the very best out of his players. He was one of the lads.
"He would have been the best manager that Billingham Town ever had, its just, unfortunately, we won't get to see him manage a game."
Before joining Billingham, Gary had spent a a long time at Ryhope Colliery Welfare FC, where a tribute said: "It is with most heart felt sadness and devastation to announce that former player and manager, Gary 'Gaz' Pearson has sadly passed away. From all associated at Ryhope CW, we pass our condolences to all the friends and family. RIP Gaz."
After starting in the youth ranks at Sheffield United in the 1990s, Gary played most of his football in non-league for the likes of Gateshead, Spennymoor United, Whitby and Durham City before getting a move into the Football League with Darlington in 2001. After leaving Darlington in 2004, he played for York City, Bedlington, Durham City Spennymoor Town and Crook, before becoming a manager.
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