Liverpool Women kit manager Jonathan Humble has died after sudden illness.
Humble had only joined the first team ranks of the WSL outfit in September following a near six-year spell with their counterparts at Manchester United.
Anfield chiefs confirmed that the 44-year-old was originally taken ill at home on Sunday and passed away at Leighton Hospital in Crewe a few days later.
In his short time with the Reds, Humble had established himself as an integral figure for Gareth Taylor’s side at their AXA Melwood Training Centre base.
LFC Women managing director Andy O’Boyle paid a touching tribute to him.
He said: “This is devastating news and the first thing to say is that all our love and thoughts are with Jon’s wife Claire and his three children at this time.
“I knew Jon from his time at Manchester United and always regarded him as an outstanding professional and a person of the highest character.
“Although we were only lucky enough to have him with us for a couple of months, his pride in his work and his drive to set the highest standards shone through from day one.
“His family spoke about how much he told them he was enjoying it here, which means a great deal to all of us.
“When visiting him this week in the hospital, we met people from several different clubs – a sign of the high esteem in which he was held wherever he went.
“We will all miss him terribly.”