BRAINTREE Town say they are devastated after their former player Charlie Strutton tragically died at the age of 34.

Tributes have been flooding in for Strutton, who had two spells with the Iron.

He had a spell on loan at Braintree from AFC Wimbledon in the 2013-14 season, scoring 20 goals in 18 games before joining them permanently in 2014, spending a further two years at Cressing Road.

In a statement, Braintree Town FC said: 'From everyone at Braintree Town, we're devastated to hear the passing of one of our former players Charlie Strutton. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time.'

Strutton started his career at non-league club Chalfont St Peter and it was his prolific form for them that caught the eye of AFC Wimbledon, who snapped him up on a short-term contract in 2012.

In addition to Braintree, he had loan spells at Maidenhead United and Aldershot Town while with the Dons before leaving to join the Iron on a permanent basis, in 2014.

Further loan spells at the likes of Maidenhead United, Hayes and Yeading United and Slough Town followed, before Strutton left Cressing Road to join Maidenhead on a permanent basis, in 2016.

He returned to Chalfont on loan, playing his final game for them, in 2016.

 

Colchester United boss Danny Cowley, who managed Strutton during his time at Braintree, is among the many people to pay tribute to the forward.

Writing on social media, he said: 'This is so incredibly sad. Lovely boy & a really good player. So unlucky with injuries… Sending my love to his family. RIP Charlie'

Former U's captain Harry Pell was also quick to pass on his condolences, having playing alongside Strutton at AFC Wimbledon.

Writing on social media, Pell said: 'Gone far too soon… RIP Charlie mate Thoughts with his family at such a sad time..'