Young player’s passing will be marked with a minute’s applause at Upton Park.
West Ham have announced that youth player Dylan Tombides has died at the aged 20 following a battle with cancer.
The Australian died on Friday morning with his family by his side, having first been diagnosed with testicular cancer in summer 2011.
A West Ham statement on the club’s official website said: “Dylan was respected by everyone who knew him for his intelligent views on the game and his larger than life character. He was a loving son, amazing brother and well-respected member of the West Ham squad. He will be hugely missed by everyone who had the honour of knowing him.”
Fellow West Ham youth players Elliot Lee and George Moncur paid their respects to their teammate on twitter:
Still don’t want to believe it. My strike partner forever. Rest In Paradise my brother. Miss and Love you always ?? pic.twitter.com/oYndVBfXxJ
— Elliot Lee (@ElliotLee9) April 18, 2014
My best mate In the whole world Dylan Tombides we has such good times I’m abserloutley devostated R.I.P I love you so much pal ??????
— George Moncur (@georgemonkz8) April 18, 2014
His passing will be marked by a minute’s applause ahead of the Hammers’ League fixture with Crystal Palace at the Upton Park on Saturday. The West Ham players will also wear black armbands in his memory.
Dylan’s brother Taylor also tweeted:
R.I.P. Dylan my beloved brother you will be missed but never forgotten you was a massive inspiration to everyone????????????
— Taylor Tombides (@taylor_tombides) April 18, 2014