Football membership’s youngest ever star dies aged 38 as ‘heartbreaking’ dying mourned
A football club has been left in mourning after their youngest ever player tragically died at the age of just 38 with former teams paying emotional tributes
David McDermott has tragically died aged 38(Image: Alamy Stock Photo)
A Football League club has been left in mourning after their youngest-ever player tragically died at the age of 38.
League Two side Walsall say they have been left “deeply saddened” after former forward David McDermott passed away. McDermott was a graduate of the Saddlers’ academy and made his senior debut at the age of 16 in 2004, and he still remains the club’s youngest-ever league debutant.
McDermott went on to play 19 times for the club in all competitions before becoming a cherished player for a host of non-league clubs in the region of his hometown Stourbridge.
Walsall paid tribute to their youngest-ever league debutant
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The diminutive forward joined Kidderminster Harriers in 2008 and played 54 times for the club in the Conference.
He later went on to play for York City in the fifth-tier before spells in non-league with Halesowen Town, Stourbridge, Rushall Olympic, AFC Telford United and Worcester City. McDermott was involved in the Worcester squad that famously knocked Coventry City out of the FA Cup first round in 2014.
Posting on X, Walsall wrote: “Everyone connected to Walsall Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of David McDermott, the club’s youngest ever league debutant.
“David progressed through our youth system and made his debut for the Saddlers in the League Cup as a substitute against Sheffield Wednesday back in August 2004.
“Our deepest sympathies and condolences are with David’s family and friends at this most difficult time.”
Harriers also paid tribute on social media, saying: “All at Harriers are saddened to learn of the passing of former player David McDermott.
“David featured 54 times for the Reds between 2008 and 2010, scoring twice, as part of a promotion chasing National League side.
“At this heartbreaking time, our thoughts are with his family, friends and loved ones.”
Fans also paid their own respects in the comments section, with one emotional user writing: “So sad to have heard this today. Macca was a great lad who I had the pleasure of calling a team mate. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
A second said: “Thoughts and Prayers to Macca’s family and friends. Lovely footballer and a great lad.” While a third added: “RIP Macca! Heartbreaking news.”
Another added: “So tragic. I knew David and his family and they will be devastated. Such a great loss.” As a fifth affectionally added: “Such sad news. Miniature in stature but big in the heart. RIP Diddy David.”
