Newcastle pay tribute to former academy star following his death aged 27

Newcastle have paid tribute to their former academy player Michael Newberry following his passing at the age of 27.

Newberry’s death was confirmed on Monday – the day of his 27th birthday – and Newcastle released a statement a few hours later on social media.

The statement read: ‘We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former player, Michael Newberry, at the age of 27. 

‘Our sincere condolences go to Michael’s family, friends and all at Cliftonville FC at this time. 

‘Rest in peace, Michael.’

Newberry’s club at his time of death, Cliftonville, who play in the Northern Ireland Football League, posted their own statement earlier in the day while revealing their upcoming match had been postponed.

Newberry came through Newcastle’s academy and won a youth player award at the club

‘Cliftonville Football Club are devastated to learn of the sudden death of Michael Newberry,’ the statement read.

‘Our sincere condolences are extended to Michael’s family and friends, as well as the many team-mates he played alongside during his career, and supporters who will be shaken and saddened by this heartbreaking news at this most difficult of times.

‘This evening’s scheduled fixture with Dungannon Swifts at Solitude has been postponed.

‘Rest in peace, Newbs.’

Newberry joined his hometown club Newcastle aged 11 and was awarded its ‘Wor Jackie trophy’ back in 2016, an accolade presented annually to Newcastle’s top young talent.

He then had a spell in Iceland with Vikingur before he joined Linfield in 2021. 

The Northern Ireland Under-21 international spent three years with the Belfast club, winning two Irish Premiership titles before moving across the city to join Cliftonville in July this year.