Former Cobblers players pay touching tributes to King

Andy King, pictured in 2014 taking a training session while caretaker manager at the Cobblers

Ex-Town skipper Langmead took to Twitter to pay tribute to King, who died from a heart attack on Wednesday morning aged just 58.

King was number two to Aidy Boothroyd at Northampton and Langmead worked closely with him from when King joined the club in 2011, to him leaving in January 2014 following the appointment of Chris Wilder as manager.

The defender, who now plays for Ebbsfleet United after his Cobblers release in January, said: “Absolutely heartbreaking news. Just can’t believe it. A top bloke who would do anything for you. RIP KINGY.”

Langmead was one of a string of ex-Town players that were among that 1,000s to post touching tributes on social media following the news of King’s passing.

Ben Tozer tweeted: “Devastating to hear about Kingy. What a bloke! One of the real good guys, his football knowledge was immense. RIP Kingy.”

Darren Carter said: “Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Andy King aka Kingy. Shook me to my core, such a great man who never failed to make me smile.

“May you rest in peace mate #RIPKingy.”

Midfielder Ian Morris tweeted: “So sad to hear about Andy King, lovely man who always made me laugh. Thoughts and prayers are with his family. RIP Kingy.”

Lewis Hornby, who along with Tozer, Morris and Carter was released by Northampton earlier this month, said: “RIP Kingy. Helped me an awful lot and was always there when it mattered.

“You will be missed dearly #legend”

Goalkeeper Dean Snedker, who is now a Brackley Town player, added: “Sad to hear about Andy King, was a great man! RIP”, while Michael Jacobs also paid tribute.

“Sad to hear about Andy King,” said Jacobs. “Thoughts go out to his family. A top man who was always full of jokes at @ntfc RIP mate.”

Blair Adams, who spent four months on loan at the Cobblers in 2012, added: “Gutted to hear Andy King has passed away.

“An unbelievably funny and all round great bloke. Helped me settle straight in at @ntfc #rip”

Another Town loan man, Jacob Blyth, said: “Absolutely gutted to hear the passing of Andy King. Top bloke and a great man of football. Made my time at Northampton brilliant #RIPKingy.”

The Cobblers also issued a statement on their website ntfc.co.uk that read: “Northampton Town Football Club are deeply saddened by the news that Andy King has passed away at the age of 58.

“All the thoughts of everyone at Northampton Town are with Andy King’s friends and family at this extremely sad time.”