Tributes have have been paid to sportswriter and Sky Sports favourite Patrick Barclay, who has died at the age of 77.
The Football Writers Association (FWA) shared a message from Barclay’s family on Friday morning confirming his passing.
‘It is with the greatest sadness that we must announce the death of our dear Patrick Barclay,’ the statement read.
‘A celebration of Patrick’s life will be held at a later date. Meanwhile, we hope that the family’s wish for privacy is respected.’
Tributes have flooded in following news of Barclay’s death, with the Sports Journalists’ Association writing: ‘The SJA wishes to express its deepest condolences following the news that we have lost Patrick Barclay.
‘We share in the sadness of his family, our friends at the FWA, and all who knew Paddy. An SJA Sports Writer of the Year Award winner, he will be greatly missed by us all.’
Patrick Barclay had been a fan favourite as a guest on Sky Sports Sunday Supplement
Lee Clayton, Global Publisher of Mail Sport, wrote: ‘So terribly sad. He was charming, smart and welcoming to us all.
‘He wrote with such joy about football. He had a style about the way he carried himself. And I could listen to that voice for hours. RIP Paddy.’
‘Really sad news this. Rest in peace Patrick.’
Chris Sutton and Robbie Fowler were among the former Premier League stars to offer tributes to Barclay.
‘Really sad news this. Rest in peace Patrick,’ Sutton wrote, while former Liverpool star Fowler posted ‘A great man…RIP Patrick.’
Alan Shearer, the Premier League’s record goalscorer, wrote ‘Ah no. Such sad news. RIP Paddy.’
Tributes were also shared by several Premier League clubs following the news, including Manchester United and Everton.
‘Paddy will always be held in great esteem by everyone at Manchester United and we send our sympathies to his loved ones at this time,’ Manchester United wrote.
‘We’re sorry to hear this sad news. Everyone at Everton Football Club sends our condolences and sympathies to Patrick’s family,’ Everton shared.
