Preston footballer Johnny Greenwood's tragic sudden death prompts hundreds of tributes from mourners

A heartbroken Preston family has led online tributes to an amateur footballer who passed away suddenly at home on New Year's Day.
Johnny Greenwood (PIC:Tanterton FC)Johnny Greenwood (PIC:Tanterton FC)
Johnny Greenwood (PIC:Tanterton FC)

Johnny Greenwood, 39, who played in the Lancashire Football League, leaves a five-year-old daughter, Evie Mai.

Hundreds of people have taken to social media to pay warm tributes to him.

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His sister, Joanne Lloyd, posted on Facebook thanking people for their kind words, in which she said: "It's truly overwhelming how much he was loved."

Speaking about his tragic death at home she went on to say: "I watched him come into the same house 39 years ago when my parents brought him home from the hospital.

"I asked my Dad if we could pretend he was a girl, as I wanted a sister."

The family have said the cause of his death is unclear but early indications are it was an underlying hereditary heart condition.

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Tanterton Football Club said: " "It is with an immensely heavy heart and deep sadness, that tonight we wish to pay tribute to one of our former players Johnny Greenwood, after we learnt that he sadly passed away on New Years Day.

"Johnny was a great lad, who was very popular with not only his team mates, but also with players and officials from other teams across the league. As a footballer, Johnny would do whatever was asked of him for the 90 minutes he pulled on a Tanny shirt, and give nothing but 110%.

"He was the epitome of the phrase “team player”.

"This was also evident in his personal life, away from football, amongst his family and friends. He would do anything for anyone, If ever you needed help with anything, Johnny would be first to put his hands up. His jovial character was one of the many reasons that made him such a well liked lad, who will be missed greatly by everyone that knew him.

"Everyone at Tanterton Football Club would like to pass on our sincere condolences to all Johnny’s family and friends. You will be forever remembered by everyone at our football club. "

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Johnny was a well known player in the Lancashire Sunday Football League and as a striker.

The league tweeted: " We are saddened by the sudden death of Johnny Greenwood at the age of 39. Johnny was a classy elegant footballer who played for a number of the top teams in this league. He was good and loyal friend & teammate but most of all he was a top guy who will be sadly missed. RIP Johnny."

Ingol Rangers FC said: " We are saddened to hear the sudden passing of former Ingol Rangers player Johnny Greenwood.

Johnny made his debut for the club in the 2011/12 season, eventually going on to score 63 goals in 108 appearances, winning the League in 2014/15 and lifting the Challenge Cup in 2014 and 2017."

Many others have shared their thoughts.

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James Smith said: " A fantastic footballer.... and would always shake your hand win, lose, draw, such sad news."

Steven Sielski said: "Had some great battles on the pitch, always an absolute gentleman off it. Heartbreaking. Rest easy Jonny lad."

One man even shared memories of the plucky player carrying on playing a match despite having broken his arm.

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