Hartlepool's 20-year-old midfielder Michael Maidens has died in a road traffic accident.
Pool's game at Swansea and the club's youth team fixture on Saturday have been called off as a mark of respect to the player and his family.
This seems to have been a bad year for young football players passing away. A real shame. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this time. _________________
Hartlepool club captain Micky Barron has confirmed that the team will wear the name of team-mate Michael Maidens on their shirts on Saturday.
Pools scheduled game against Swansea was cancelled on Saturday following news of the 20-year-old's sudden death and, after close consultation with the family, the club have announced players' shirts will bare the name 'Maidens' above their regular numbers as they take on Brighton at Victoria Park.
"It was something the lads thought about straight away - it will be a good tribute to him and I am certain that Saturday will be a very emotional day for everyone," Barron told the club's official website.
"Michael will be foremost in our thoughts for that moment before kick-off but we are aware we have a game to prepare for.
"A few of us laid some flowers at the ground on Monday afternoon and read some of the lovely messages there.
"I've spoken to the rest of the lads and said that whenever they're ready they should go and do the same even if it upsets them because it's a nice way for us to remember him." _________________
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