Matt Smith's former clubs rally round him after tragic death of four-month-old son Madison
Matt Smith is dealing with the tragic passing of his young son as the likes of Fulham, Millwall and Oldham Athletic all send messages of support to him and the family
Matt Smith has received a raft of support following the tragic passing of his four-month old son, Madison.
Smith has played up and down the football pyramid and numerous clubs have issued their support to him and his family. Madison was Steve Bruce's grandson and the nephew of Alex Bruce - both men have been excused from their coaching duties this weekend.
Steve Bruce was recently appointed at Blackpool boss whilst his son is an assistant at Salford City. Smith himself has been without a club since leaving Salford in the summer when his contract expired, but a number of his former clubs have reached out on social media.
Millwall, where Smith played for three years, said: "Millwall Football Club sends its unconditional love and support to Matt Smith, and his family and friends, following the passing of his four-month old son, Madison. We are with you every step of the way, Smudger."
READ MORE: Steve Bruce's four-month-old grandson tragically dies as Blackpool announce absenceREAD MORE: Footballer's heartwarming gesture towards former club speaks volumesFulham wrote: "Everyone at Fulham is sending their love and support to Matt Smith and his family tonight". Meanwhile Oldham, where Smith first made his mark in the football league, said: "As a club, we send our love and deepest condolences to Matt Smith and his family, following the incredibly sad passing of his four-month old son, Madison."
QPR added: "Everyone at QPR sends their deepest condolences, love and support to Matt Smith and family following the tragic passing of his baby son, Madison. We’re all with you Smudger."
Blackpool confirmed that Bruce would not be in the dugout for their clash with Barnsley as they allowed him time off to be with his grieving family.
They said: “The Club can announce that Head Coach Steve Bruce will not be in attendance at tomorrow's fixture against Barnsley due to the tragic passing of his four-month old grandson, Madison. Everyone at the football club send their love to Steve and his family. We ask that their privacy is respected as they come to terms with this sudden and unexpected loss in their family.”
Salford took the same approach with manager Karl Robinson to be without his assistant, who has also been afforded a time of leave for their game with Crewe.
They wrote: "Salford City announces that Assistant Manager Alex Bruce will not be in attendance at tomorrow’s fixture away at Crewe Alexandra due to the tragic passing of his four-month old nephew, Madison. All at the football club send our love and full support to Alex, Matt Smith and the family. We request that their privacy is respected as they come to terms with this sudden and unexpected loss in their family."
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