Tributes to Jlloyd Samuel flood in from former team-mates

BeSoccer 5 years ago 271 |

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The former Aston Villa was well-loved in the footballing community. AFP

Former Aston Villa and Bolton defender Jlloyd Samuel died in a car accident on Tuesday, and tributes have poured in for a ''selfless, honest and great guy''.

Ex-Wigan and West Brom striker Nathan Ellington led the tributes for the 37-year-old. He told 'BBC Sport': ''It is gut-wrenching, he was an amazing guy. He did so much. He had a positive effect on people's hearts.

''I saw him all the time and would train with him. Everyone loved him, he was a great guy and always moving onto bigger and better things. He will be sadly missed.

''He loved football and giving back. That was the whole point of Egerton [his most recent club]. He was at training every day, putting his heart and soul into it and helping the youth players coming through.

''It had nothing to do with money but a genuine care for people. He was selfless, willing to give back and help. He was also a successful businessman and a family man.''

Ellington added: ''He was always honest and good to you. He had everything you could want in a friend and many others say the same thing. It's a massive loss.''

Meanwhile, former Bolton team-mate Kevin Davies told 'BBC Radio Manchester': ''I remember him being very smart, he was very dapper, always with a smile on his face and he just enjoyed his life.''

Manchester United midfielder Ashley Young also paid his respects to his former Aston Villa team-mate in a tweet.