It is with great regret that Lazy Fan Sports has to join a list of glowing tributes to the former Aston Villa and Bolton Wanderers defender JLloyd Samuel has died in a car accident in Cheshire.
The 37-year old former player/manager at Egerton in the non-league passed away on Tuesday, May 15th, 2018.
JLloyd Samuel came 1 appearance short of 200 for Aston Villa after moving to the club in 1998 before moving to Bolton in 2007 where he played 83 more times before again moving on in 2011.
According to a statement from the Trinidad and Tobago FA JLloyd “collided with an oncoming vehicle”.
Championship side Aston Villa then took to Twitter
“We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of our former player Jlloyd Samuel at the age of just 37 in a car accident Our players will wear black armbands as a mark of respect tonight and our thoughts are with his friends and family at this very difficult time #AVFC”
We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of our former player Jlloyd Samuel at the age of just 37 in a car accident
Our players will wear black armbands as a mark of respect tonight and our thoughts are with his friends and family at this very difficult time
#AVFC pic.twitter.com/mlTeIEJm3y— Aston Villa FC (@AVFCOfficial) May 15, 2018
“Our players will wear black armbands as a mark of respect tonight [in their play-off semi-final] and our thoughts are with his friends and family at this very difficult time.”
JLloyd Samuel also had a stint in Iran between 2011 and 2015.
In what has unfortunately turned out to be one of his last interviews. Samuel reveals just how crazy life out in the middle east really was.
Looking back on his first few weeks in Iran, he told the BBC : “When I first arrived at the training ground, they gave me a special welcome – I saw the sheep, the sheep looked at me, I was looking at the sheep and the next thing the neck is gone.”
“People were walking through the blood, they put it on themselves and then carried on like nothing had happened.
“I soon realised that was their culture, they do it for good fortune. If they are struggling in the league, or need good luck for a big derby match, then they would do it before a game.
“In the end, I would turn around, I did not want to see it, I was not against their religion, but it is something I did not want to see.”
Samuel played in front of crowds of 100,000 in Iran. winning the league and cup double with Esteghlal before joining Paykan.
The Trinidad and Tobago FA Elaborated further on Facebook.
“We’ve received some terrible news that former national defender and ex-Aston Villa and Bolton Wanderers player Jlloyd Samuel died in a car crash this morning in England.
“According to reports, Jlloyd was returning home after dropping his kids off to school and collided with an oncoming vehicle.
“The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association and his former national team-mates at this time extend deepest condolences to his family members both in the UK and here in Trinidad and Tobago.”
“Sadly the driver of the car, Jlloyd Samuel, 37, from Lymm, died at the scene.” Cheshire Police said in a statement.
“His next of kin have been informed and are currently being supported by specially trained officers.
“The driver of the van, a 54-year-old man, sustained serious injuries and has been taken to hospital for treatment.”
Tributes From Around the World:
Bolton Wanderers:
“Everybody associated with Bolton Wanderers Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former defender, Jlloyd Samuel.
“Rest in peace, Jlloyd. Our deepest condolences are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”
Ashley Young, Manchester United:
“Absolutely gutted to hear the news of the passing of Jlloyd Samuel. Took me under his wing when I joined Villa and helped me settle. Such a good guy on and off the pitch and a truly good friend.”
Cardiff City:
“We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Cardiff City defender, Jlloyd Samuel. Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this incredibly difficult time.”
Charlton Athletic:
“The club are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jlloyd Samuel. Who began his career in Charlton’s youth system. The thoughts of everyone at the club are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”
Players’ union, the PFA:
“Our sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of Jlloyd Samuel who has died aged 37.”
Michael Beale, Friend:
“Absolutely heartbroken to hear of the passing of my childhood friend and team-mate. A beautiful person.”