Tributes have been paid to former Dundee United youngster Gavin Stokes after he died in a car crash.
The 30-year-old was the driver of a motor involved in a smash in Glasgow in the early hours of Saturday morning.
His Mercedes GLC appeared to lose control and left the road at Thornwood roundabout near Dumbarton Road at about 1.10am.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The former footballer played for several clubs in his career, including Dundee United under 20s and played in the same team as current Scotland international Stuart Armstrong.
Clubs and teammates pay tribute
Many of his former clubs and teammates have been paying tribute, including long serving United staff member Gordon Grady who called Gavin “a character” and former United teammate Louis Swanson who is “still in shock” at the news.
Saturday morning i received a message of horrible news that my ex team mate & friend
Gavin Stokes passed away
Still in shock to this
I have plenty memories with you and what a laugh we had at times
My heart goes out to Gavins family, friends and his wee boy
R.i.p. Stokesy 💔 pic.twitter.com/pNz0Km8Icz— Louis Swanson (@louisswanson) October 9, 2022
Dundee United said: “Everyone at Dundee United is devastated to learn of the passing of Gavin Stokes, our former youth player and ex-Scotland U17 cap.
“Our thoughts are with Gavin’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.”
Kilbirnie Ladeside said they were “devastated” to hear of Gavin’s passing “in such tragic circumstances”.
Rutherglen Glencairn said: “Everyone at Rutherglen Glencairn are saddened to learn of the sudden passing of our former player Gavin Stokes.
“Gavin was a huge part of our treble-winning under 21 team and then moved up to play with the first team.”
Just hearing about the passing of Gavin Stokes, he was a character when he was at United.
Thoughts are with His partner Lauren, son Freddie and the rest of his family and friends.
R.I.P Stokesy pic.twitter.com/EnzEgmVjnh— Gordon Grady (@GogoGrady1) October 8, 2022
Caledonian Braves, the last club Gavin played for in 2019/20, said: “All at the club are absolutely devastated to hear of the untimely death of former player Gavin Stokes.
“Well liked by all who knew him ‘Stokesy’ wore his heart on his sleeve and left everything on the park. Big love and strength to all his friends and family.”
Gavin’s football achievements include scoring one of the world’s fastest ever goals at 2.1 seconds when he played for Maryhill in 2017 in a match against Clydebank. The goal was featured on Sky Sports News.
— Out Of Context WOSFL (@NoContextWOSFL) October 8, 2022
As well as a footballer, Gavin was also a qualified electrician.
Family grief over “amazing dad”
His family have led the many tributes to the father-of-one saying in a statement:Â “He was the life and soul of the party.
“One of the most important things in Gavin’s life was being with his son Freddie. Gavin and his partner Lauren brought him up to be the best boy ever.
“Freddie was Gavin’s whole world and spending time with him was his favourite thing to do.
“Gavin also loved his mum Alice, dad Edward, sister Shannon, brother Garry, and niece Isla very dearly and he will be greatly missed.
“Gavin was a qualified electrician and was very passionate about his career.
“He was a great footballer in his youth and is remembered for scoring one of the world’s fastest ever recorded goals in 2.1 seconds.”
As well as the Tangerines, Gavin was called for Scotland at U16 and U17 level during his time at Tannadice. He played twice in 2008 before being released.
He also played for Kilbirnie, Maryhill Juniors, Irvine Meadow, Alloa Athletic and Caledonian Braves.
Investigation ongoing
An investigation into the crash is underway and anyone with information is asked to contact police.
Sergeant Paul Mellis said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the man who died following this crash.”
“Our investigation is ongoing and I would appeal to any witnesses who have not yet spoken to police to contact us.
“I would also be keen to obtain and dash-cam from motorists who were driving on this road around the time of the crash. Information can be passed to 101 with reference number 0221 of October 8.”
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