Tragic starlet will be sorely missed

COURTNEY MEPPEN-WALTER – 1994-2026

By Jon Couch

Former clubs, teammates and managers have led the tributes for popular player Courtney Meppen-Walter, who died this week at the age of 32.

A former Manchester City youngster, Meppen-Walter captained the England Under 18s and turned out for the likes of Carlisle United, Stockport, Chorley, AFC Telford United and, most recently, Bury FC before his release in the summer.

No details have been released regarding the circumstances of his passing.

A defensive midfielder by trade, Meppen-Walter spent his formative years with Manchester City’s youth academy, before signing for Carlisle in 2013.

SAD LOSS: Courtney Meppen-Walter, pictured here in action for Chorley

PICTURE: Alamy

After two years with the Cumbrians, the Bury-born starlet had brief spells with Ashton United and Chorley in 2016, before moving on to Stockport.

He then signed for Glossop North End in 2017, before a two-year second spell at Chorley led to stints at AFC Telford and Radcliffe FC.

A brief loan spell with Guiseley led to a permanent deal in 2022 before Meppen-Walter represented Nantwich Town, Bury and latterly Stalybridge Celtic.

Off the field, Meppen-Walter had had issues. In 2013, he was jailed for 16 months after causing the death of a brother and sister by speeding in a traffic collision.

Then, in 2019, he was banned from driving for 22 months and made to serve a 12-month community order for a drink-driving offence after he was caught at the wheel at more than twice the legal limit.

Since his death was announced by Bury FC on Tuesday, a number of his former clubs took to social media to pay their respects to him.

Heartfelt

Nantwich Town paid a touching tribute with chairman Jon Gold commenting: “Courtney was a larger than life character with the biggest heart and he quickly became loved by both the Dabbers faithful and his fellow players, who all looked up to his inspirational leadership.

“He left a lasting impression on everyone that was fortunate enough to meet him and whilst there were sadly some dark times in his life, something that he never shied away from, the Courtney we knew was full of positivity and inspiration and our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and all that knew him at such an incredibly sad time.”

A Bury FC statement read: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former player Courtney Meppen-Walter, at the age of 32.

“The thoughts and condolences of everyone at Bury FC are with his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.”

And Guiseley, who Meppen-Walter played for between 2022 and 2024 and winning the 2022/23 Manager’s Player of the Season award, added: “We are shocked to hear of the passing of Courtney Meppen-Walter.

“Our thoughts are with Courtney’s family and friends at this sad time.”