Kent football is reeling from tragedy this morning with the news that Tonbridge Angels trialist Junior Dian has died.

He collapsed during the second half of a pre-season friendly between Whyteleafe and the Angels on Tuesday night.

Junior, who was 23, collapsed during the second half as staff from both clubs fought to save the young man’s life out on the pitch. Sadly it was announced in the early hours of Wednesday morning that the Junior had passed away at St George’s Hospital in Tooting.

Tonbridge issued the following release on their website following confirmation of Junior’s death.

It reads, “Today, football at Tonbridge Angels very much takes a back seat as everyone at the club tries to come to terms with this devastating news.

Earlier the previous evening, Junior, a trialist with the club had suddenly collapsed on the pitch without warning during the second half of a pre-season friendly game away at Whyteleafe FC. in Surrey.”

“Despite the heroic efforts of the two physios present, together with paramedics who attended at the ground and staff at St Georges Hospital, Tooting, sadly his life could not be saved.”

“Steve Churcher, Chairman of Tonbridge Angels said today: ” This is devastating news and our only crumb of comfort is that Junior lost his life doing something he obviously enjoyed so much.”

“All our thoughts and sympathies are with his family. Also I would like to thank everyone at Whyteleafe FC for their support and professionalism during this very distressing incident yesterday evening.”

We here at KSN along with the whole of the footballing family echo Mr Churcher’s thoughts and our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Junior’s family at this difficult time.