Clubs united to mourn Sam

By Robin Jones

TRAGIC: Sam Harding

THE Non-League world has been mourning the death of Ashton Athletic’s popular 20-year-old former England schoolboy international Sam Harding who died after a collision at a ‘car meet’.

Central midfielder Harding, turned out for a number of clubs including FC United, Glossop North End and Prescot Cables and was aiming to sign for Warrington Town next season.

An Ashton statement read: “Ashton Athletic are devastated to hear the news of the passing of 2021/22 first team player Sam Harding.

“Sam was only at our club for one season and was a huge factor in our improved form since his arrival. He was a quiet, well-mannered young man and he will be sorely missed by everyone at the club.

“All our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends at this terrible time. RIP Sam.”

FC United academy manager Tom Conroy said: “Technically Sam was one of the best academy players we have ever had, and that was proven when he was successful in England schoolboy trials, earning caps for his country.

“He was a very polite lad and a pleasure to coach. He was a great role model for his peers.

He will be sadly missed and I would like to pass my love and condolences to Sam’s family.”

Harding, from Stockport, was hit by an Audi S3 at the event on an industrial estate in Warrington on Sunday night.

He was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead shortly after.

Stunned teammates have arranged to hold a vigil in his memory on the pitch at FC United at 8pm on Wednesday.

Ashton’s players also organised a Gofundme appeal to help meet funeral costs, exceeding the £5,000 target in a matter of days.

Messages of condolences have been pouring in from many clubs in the north west. League rivals Charnock Richard dedicated the programme for their home Macron Cup game against Holker Old Boys this Tuesday to Harding while Vauxhall Motors held a collection for his family.

The driver of the car, a 21-year-old man from Morley,

Leeds, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.