Footballer, 35, dies after suffering cardiac arrest as club post emotional tribute to midfielder
A Scottish footballer, 35, has tragically died after suffering a cardiac arrest.
Brian Morgan, last week, was rushed to hospital following the incident however he sadly passed away on Wednesday despite the best efforts from medical staff.
Morgan was a midfielder for Sauchie Juniors and had initially hung up his boots last year but came out of retirement shortly after to help the side this season.
The club have since posted an emotional message in tribute to Morgan: 'Sauchie Juniors were saddened to learn of the passing of midfielder Brian Morgan, aged 35.
'Brian passed away on Wednesday morning, following being admitted to hospital after a cardiac arrest. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his wife Zoe and daughter Poppy, as well as his close family, friends and all who knew him.
'Being a local boy to Sauchie, Brian's affiliation with the club started when he watched the team as a youngster before he signed for the club in 2010 as a 20-year-old under former manager and his brother-in-law, Fraser Duncan.
'He contributed a fair share to the club's success and lifting of silverware, including scoring two free kicks to ensure promotion to the East Superleague in 2012. After an initial spell of eight and a half years at the club, he moved on to a new challenge at Bo'ness United.
'A notable moment in Brian's second spell came in the final of the East of Scotland League Cup against Haddington Athletic. This game in particular was set to be his final game for the club, announcing he would retire following the game's conclusion.
'Looking to sign off in style, he would score the winner in extra time with a leaping header to ensure victory. Brian would take his seat in the stand for the start of the 2024/25 season, but the itch of playing would become too much.
'And he pulled the boots back on last November. It wasn't long before he reaffirmed himself as a regular in the starting eleven and scoring goals. His last game for the club would come on 12th April in a 3-2 home victory over Glenrothes, scoring our first goal to help us on our way to three points. Rest in Peace, Morgy. One of our own'.
The club confirmed that they were unsure about the exact figures - appearances and goals - behind Morgan's three stints at the East of Scotland side.
Tributes for Morgan began flooding in on both X and Facebook, as former team-mates and fans shared their memories of the 35-year-old.
One of his team-mates, Chris Donnelly, shared a picture alongside Morgan and wrote: 'This was taken at training on the Tuesday night, we both scored at the weekend and in usual Morgy style he was trying to say his goal was better from our win, an absolutely amazing player and even better off the park, boy was a legend, devastated, thoughts with his family'.
Other clubs across the country have also shared tributes to Morgan. League Two side Stirling Albion said: 'Everyone at Stirling Albion sends our deepest condolences to everyone at Sauchie along with Brian's family and friends.'
Meanwhile, Dunbar United wrote: 'Absolutely heartbreaking to read this, all our thoughts go out to Brian's family and friends and everyone one at Sauchie. RIP Brian.'
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