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Tributes pour in for ex-Chelsea, Crawley coach Dermot Drummy

Chelsea's head of youth development Neil Bath has led the tributes to former manager Dermot Drummy, who died on Monday aged 56.

Drummy worked as Chelsea's academy boss -- winning the 2010 FA Youth Cup -- and later as reserve-team manager before taking the role of international head coach in June 2014.

After leaving Chelsea he took over at League Two side Crawley in April 2016, departing 13 months later.

Bath said on Chelsea's official website: "There are no words to convey the sense of shock and loss we all feel at this news.

"Dermot was a good friend to many of us here at the academy, including myself. His love and passion for football were infectious, and we will all miss him greatly.''

Crawley tweeted their condolences on Monday evening but have now released a lengthy statement to express their sadness.

Director of football Selim Gaygusuz said: "Dermot was a great coach to work with and a true gentleman with a clean heart. My thoughts are with his family.''

Crawley's operations director Kelly Derham added: "Everyone at the club is saddened by this news and our thoughts go out to Dermot's wife Carol and his children Nick, Joe and Mabel, who became regular visitors to the club last season to support their Dad.

"Dermot was a decent man. He always came to work with a smile on his face and, together with his assistant Matt Gray, took a genuine interest in everyone who worked for Crawley Town, from the team captain right down to the matchday staff. We will all miss him.''

Crawley skipper Jimmy Smith, speaking on behalf of the squad, said: "Dermot was not only a great coach but also a great man. Dermot worked hard for the players during his time as head coach.

"He wanted to provide us with the best possible setup and pushed through the project last year to improve our changing facilities at the stadium. He changed the way we played too. The boys bought into it and we all had a lot of respect for him."

A host of players have taken to social media to pay their respects to Drummy.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who worked with Drummy at Stamford Bridge, tweeted: "RIP coach, thanks for everything.''

And Crawley forward Enzio Boldewijn tweeted: "I can't find the right words. I just want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to play for Crawley. You've helped me to become a better player and person. I will never forget that. You will be missed.''

Crawley players will wear black armbands during Wednesday night's Checkatrade Trophy clash against Fulham under-21s and will observe a minute's silence at the game against Mansfield on Dec. 9.

A flag at Chelsea's Cobham training ground was at half mast, while the Blues are expected to wear black armbands for Wednesday's Premier League clash with Swansea at Stamford Bridge.