Clacton Town footballer Aaron Gardiner has died after suffering a suspected heart attack
The 33-year-old father-of-three collapsed at home after he had been out jogging, preparing for the new season.
He had just signed for the Seasiders and was looking forward to the challenge with his new club.
His team mates have been devastated and manager Alan Dilloway said it was "tragic".
"Aaron had trained four or five times with us and signed last week," he said.
"He was at training on Tuesday, told me he was going out for a run on Wednesday and he would have been at training again last night.
"I am just shocked and numb he was such a lovely boy and I was really looking forward to working with him. He would have been such an asset to Clacton Town."
It is believed Gardiner died of a heart attack but a post mortem examination will be carried out to determine the exact cause of death.
Published Friday July 23, 2004
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