West Ham striker Dylan Tombides has died following a three-year battle with cancer, the club announced on Friday.
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• Thorne: A tribute to Dylan
Tombides, 20, was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2011 but remained a regular visitor to the club’s Chadwell Heath training ground throughout his treatment.
The Australia under-17 and under-23 international recovered sufficiently to make his debut for the Hammers in a League Cup tie against Wigan in September 2012.
He also worked hard off the pitch to raise awareness of male cancer, supporting the One for the Boys campaign.
In a statement on their official website West Ham praised “his positive attitude and professional approach to his football”.
They added: “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.”
West Ham will honour his memory by wearing black armbands for the Premier League game against Crystal Palace on Saturday and preceding the match with a minute’s applause.