Former Cobblers stars pay tribute to 'gentleman' Denis Casey

Casey was physio at the club from 1985 through to 2008, and in that time looked after 100s of players, treating injuries and strains from the minor to the major.

He was also a sounding board for many a player, and some of those who he helped quickly reacted to the Cobblers' announcement that Casey had died.

Tellingly, they paid tribute to how good a person Casey was as much as how good he had been at his job.

Chris Hargreaves, who played for the club for four years from 2000, tweeted: "What a fantastic man. Great physio and an absolute gent. RIP mate."

Lee Howey, who suffered a serious knee injury during his three-year stint at the Cobblers, said: "Just heard sad news of the passing of Denis Casey RIP. Never forget the long days and playing two touch until he won. A true gent #NTFC."

Phil Cavener was a player at the Cobblers in the mid-1980s, and he wrote: "RIP Denis, what a fantastic guy he was, I spent a couple of years with him whilst playing for Northampton."

Sean Parrish played for Town from 1996 to 2000.

He was another who endured a serious injury, and said on Twitter: "An absolute true gentleman! Helped me get through some dark days during my rehab but always had time for a bit of banter and a beer. RIP Denis."

Martin Smith played for the Cobblers 2003 to 2006, and said: "Gutted by this , a great physio and even better man. Rip Dennis."

Ex-Town striker Carlo Corazzin wrote: "A true 'professional' in every sense, but that was just one part of Denis!

"He was a true gentlemen and respected by all who came into contact with him! Made the effort to find out where he lived to say hello last time in the UK! A fantastic man! Thoughts are with his family! RIP."

Jamie Forrester added: "Such sad news. RIP Denis." while another former Cobblers front man Lawrie Dudfield posted: "Just heard the sad news of the passing of Northampton Town physio Denis Casey, a true @ntfc legend. Rest In Peace Den."

Defender Darren Wood suffered a series of serious knee injuries while at the Cobblers in the late 1980s and was cared for by Casey, and he said: "Absolutely gutted. Rest in peace my friend."

Goalkeeper Lee Harper spent five years at the Cobblers from 2002, and he said on Twitter: "Top top man Denis. I was gutted to hear the news, thoughts are with his family."

Northampton lad Steve Brown, a midfielder for the Cobblers while Casey was at the club from 1989 to 1994, said: "So sorry to hear of the passing of Denis Casey.

"A gentleman with charisma and someone you could always speak to. He brought me back to peak fitness whenever I had any injuries, hardly any, but he knew the importance of hard work too."