Members of the football community have expressed their shock after the sudden death of a 29-year-old team captain.
It is understood Maybole Juniors player Stuart McGrady passed away in his sleep on Saturday night, hours after scoring for the Ayrshire side.
McGrady had played for Ayr United, Cumnock and Queen’s Park before joining Maybole in 2009.
Cumnock Juniors FC said: “Our thoughts go out to the friends and family of former player Stuart McGrady. You will be sadly missed.”
Troon FC said: “Shocked and saddened to hear of the untimely passing of Maybole FC captain Stuart McGrady.
St Andrews United said: “Our thoughts are with Maybole FC and the family of their captain Stuart McGrady who passed away last night in his sleep. RIP Stuart.”
Maybole FC’s website featured a photograph of Mr McGrady celebrating with his team-mates on the pitch.
The side beat Ardeer Thistle 3-0 away at Old Quarry Road on Saturday. Ardeer offered their condolences to the player’s family along with a host of others clubs.
In an online football forum, McGrady, who lived in Ayr and worked for a shoe retailer, was described as “one of the good guys in football”, “a cracking player” and “a nice guy from a nice family”.
One user wrote: “Absolutely devastated about Stuart. After playing with him and then being part of the coaching team at Maybole till earlier this season, I can’t speak highly enough of Stuart as a guy both on and off the park.
“My thoughts are with his partner Mandy and all his family. You won’t be forgotten mate.”
In a “Meet My Mates” article for the Sun newspaper in 2012, McGrady described himself as “Mr Versatile as I’ve played every position for Maybole, including keeper. Definitely the biggest moaner at the club. I’m the instigator for most nights out but the boys are never far behind.”