A popular player, who had spells with clubs including Carlisle United, has died at the age of 39.
Craig Farrell scored 24 goals in 95 appearances for the Blues and across his career netted 71 goals in 325 games for a variety of clubs.
Middlesbrough-born Farrell started his career with his hometown club before being snapped up by Leeds at 15 but never played for either in the League.
He went on to play for Carlisle, Exeter, York, Oxford, Rushden and Telford and finished with non-League spells at Hinckley United, Blyth Spartans and Whitby Town.
He had won three caps for England Under-16s, scoring once at the Euro Under-16s tournament in 1999.
Carlisle United chairman Andrew Jenkins said: “I am so sorry to hear this news, Craig was such a likeable young man and I think it’s fair to say we all wanted him to do well when Roddy [Collins] brought him from Leeds.
“He impressed everybody with his attitude and he settled quickly, scoring some good goals through his first season with us.
“I remember him as someone who got his head down and worked hard, and I think we can all agree that 39 is such a young age.
???????? “This is incredibly sad news. He was a really decent bloke and was a good lad to have in the group.”
— Carlisle United FC (@officialcufc) May 30, 2022
Devastating news as we say farewell to Craig Farrell – our thoughts are very much with his loved ones ???? https://t.co/u8FOerfRzS
“Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this very sad time.”
Former side York joined in the tributes, tweeting: “We are saddened to learn of the passing of former player Craig Farrell, aged 39.
“Craig made 111 appearances and scored 27 goals for City between 2006 and 2009.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.”
Telford United wrote: “Sad news reaches us of the untimely passing of former Bucks striker Craig Farrell, who played for the club in the 2011-12 season.
Blyth Spartans hailed Farrell, adding: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Blyth player Craig Farrell. Rest in peace, Faz.”
Exeter tweeted: “All at Exeter City are saddened to hear of the passing of former Grecian Craig Farrell.
“Our thoughts are with Craig’s family and friends at this sad time.”
Whitby added: “Everyone at Whitby Town is extremely saddened to hear of the passing of former player Craig Farrell. Rest in peace, Faz.”
