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Page last updated at 15:55 GMT, Monday, 8 June 2009 16:55 UK

Football captain killed in crash

Gordon Lennon (right) and manager Jim Chapman
Gordon Lennon (right) with Dumbarton manager Jim Chapman

Dumbarton Football Club has confirmed that its captain has been killed in a crash while on a family break.

Gordon Lennon died in an off-road accident near Dingwall on Sunday. The 26-year-old led his side to promotion to Division Two last season.

The club's website states that everyone connected with Dumbarton was "shocked and deeply saddened" at the death of Gordon Lennon.

The club said its thoughts were with his partner and five-month-old baby.

Northern Constabulary said the accident happened at about 1640 BST on Sunday at Brahan near Maryburgh.

Mr Lennon, originally from Larne, County Antrim, was taken to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness but died from his injuries.

A spokesman for the Brahan Estate in Ross-shire said:" An accident involving a vehicle from the local four-wheel drive club occurred in the Canal Wood on Brahan Estate during the afternoon of 7 June.

"The vehicle collided with an electricity pole which brought the wires down.

"The emergency services attended the scene. Tragically one person was killed in the accident."

Trademark smile

The Dumbarton FC statement reads: "Gordon was an inspiration both on and off the park and his influence will be felt by many both within and outwith Dumbarton Football Club for a very long time to come.

"He was not just a quality footballer, he was a great man with so many qualities and was rarely seen without his trademark smile.

"He always had time to speak with supporters, of any club, and everyone associated with Dumbarton Football Club are proud that he considered his greatest footballing achievement was lifting the Scottish Football League Third Division Championship trophy as the captain of Dumbarton last month.

"Our condolences go out to his family and as a club we will assist his family in whatever way we can through these difficult times and those that lie ahead."

Scottish Football League chief executive David Longmuir joined Lennon's former clubs in also paying tribute to the defender.

"This will be a very sad day for everyone connected with football in Scotland," he said.

"Only a month ago, David Thomson, our operations director, handed the Third Division trophy to Gordon as part of a wonderful celebration for Dumbarton at Annan.

"Gordon was well known throughout Scottish Football having spent time at Albion Rovers, Partick Thistle and Stenhousemuir as well and his loss will be felt across the game."



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