Footballer dies at 35 as team-mates 'devastated' by loss after retirement U-turn
Brian Morgan, 35, was rushed to hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest and tributes from team-mates, fans and clubs have now flooded in following his tragic death
A 35-year-old footballer tragically died following a cardiac arrest just months after coming out of retirement.
Brian Morgan, who played for Sauchie Juniors in Scotland, died in hospital on Wednesday morning, April 23, despite the efforts of healthcare professionals. He was known for scoring the decisive goal in last May's cup final for Sauchie Juniors, before initially retiring and later returning to bolster the team this season.
The East of Scotland club extended heartfelt sympathies to the midfielder's wife Zoe and their daughter Poppy, and posted a touching tribute on Facebook, reports the Mirror. The statement said: "Sauchie Juniors were saddened to learn of the passing of midfielder Brian Morgan, aged 35.
"Brian passed away on Wednesday morning, following being admitted to hospital after a cardiac arrest. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his wife Zoe and daughter Poppy, as well as his close family, friends and all who knew him.
"Being a local boy to Sauchie, Brian's affiliation with the club started when he watched the team as a youngster before he signed for the club in 2010 as a 20-year-old under former manager and his brother-in-law, Fraser Duncan.
"He contributed a fair share to the club's success and lifting of silverware, including scoring two free kicks to ensure promotion to the East Superleague in 2012. After an initial spell of eight and a half years at the club, he moved on to a new challenge at Bo'ness United.
"A notable moment in Brian's second spell came in the final of the East of Scotland League Cup against Haddington Athletic. This game in particular was set to be his final game for the club, announcing he would retire following the game's conclusion.
"Looking to sign off in style, he would score the winner in extra time with a leaping header to ensure victory. Brian would take his seat in the stand for the start of the 2024/25 season, but the itch of playing would become too much.
"And he pulled the boots back on last November. It wasn't long before he reaffirmed himself as a regular in the starting eleven and scoring goals. His last game for the club would come on 12th April in a 3-2 home victory over Glenrothes, scoring our first goal to help us on our way to three points. Rest in Peace, Morgy. One of our own."
Fans and colleagues also posted their tributes, with one writing online: "Struggling to understand or believe that Brian has passed. An amazing player I had the privilege of coaching, what a character, a winner with an unbelievable will to win mixed with fantastic ability. Devastating for Zoe, Poppy and all his family and friends. Rest easy Morgy."
Clubs across Scotland showed their solidarity. Stirling Albion wrote: "Everyone at Stirling Albion sends our deepest condolences to everyone at Sauchie along with Brian's family and friends." And Clydebank said: "Desperately sad news, our thoughts are with you all."
Team-mate Chris Donnelly shared a heartfelt tribute alongside a photo with his friend, captioning it: "This was taken at training on the Tuesday night, we both scored at the weekend and in usual Morgy style he was trying to say his goal was better from our win, an absolutely amazing player and even better off the park, boy was a legend, devastated, thoughts with his family."
Scott Taylor-MacKenzie, a midfielder for Berwick Rangers who often played against Morgan, reflected on their encounters. He said: "We had some battles on the pitch but always a laugh and a hand shake after. Anytime playing Sauchie you knew you have to work hard and if Morgy was up against you then you knew you where in for a f hard day.
"What a player. Love to Brian's family and to you all at Sauchie."