Newark Town Football Club reports sudden death of coach Mark Nesbitt

Newark Town Football Club has announced the sudden death of one of its coaches, Mark Nesbitt, this afternoon.

Mark was the football club girls' section coach and had led the club to many victories.

The club posted on Facebook: "It is with total shock, disbelief and devastation that the club is reporting that Mark Nesbitt, our girls' section lead, has died.

“Mark was the bedrock of a grassroots volunteer. He stopped at nothing to pass on his enthusiasm and zest for football to the youngsters and young adults he nurtured and trained.

“We share this massive loss with his family and friends; we loved and respected Mark like our own.

“We know that Mark was well known on the local football scene, and he did so much for the game, most recently to shape the future of girls’ football in the area and beyond

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his immediate family and we ask on their behalf for compassion and privacy as they process this desperately sad news.”

The club says all its matches this weekend will celebrate the life of their colleague.

Minute applauses are planned at matches and a book of condolence will be available at the Tom Mann Pavilion at Devon Park, Newark, from this weekend.

The club will announce a suitable lasting tribute to Mark in due course.