Tributes have been paid to a Merthyr footballer, who was also a well-known member of local bands in the town. Merthyr Town Football Club announced the death of Ceri Collins last week. The 39-year-old winger had played for the club since he was a boy, and most recently played for the supporter team.
In a statement, the club said: "Everyone at Merthyr Town Football Club are devastated by the news of the passing of Ceri Collins. Ceri was former youth player of the club, and was more recently, part of the Supporters Team and Futsal Team at the club. Our thoughts are with Ceri’s family at this sad time."
Friend and fellow teammate Chris Terrett had played with his good friend Ceri for the past 22 years. He said: "Ceri's death has sent shockwaves throughout the town and the local community. He was always happy, always wore his heart on his sleeve and was an all-round great guy.
"Ceri was also a very talented musician and played with local bands, so he had that wide friendship group too. We are all so shocked. His death is a sad loss for us all, and our thoughts are with his family at this sad time."
In 2016, Ceri made headlines when he combined his love of football and music to make up a song about Gareth Bale before the Euros. The video was viewed more than 31,000 times and a number of people sharing it, and describing it as "brilliant", "class" and a "good effort".
The MS for Merthyr Tydfil, Dawn Bowden, said: "Absolutely devastating. My love and thoughts with Ceri’s loved ones. I can’t even imagine their pain." Another fan of the team said: "Rest in peace Ceri from all the fans team, you will be missed."
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