Grief as footballer dies on pitch
Team-mates of a 16-year-old Walsall FC player who collapsed and died on the training field looked on in horror as club coaches tried to save his life.
Youth team boss Mick Halsall attempted to revive Anton Reid, of Wenlock Gardens, Walsall, after he collapsed without warning during yesterday's Saddlers training session.
Paramedics, an air ambulance crew and West Bromwich Albion's club doctor also tried to revive the teenager but he never regained consciousness and was pronounced dead at Selly Oak Hospital.
It is the fourth tragedy to hit the Saddlers in the last year following the death of another youth team player, Danny White, and former players Matt Gadsby and David Preece.
Chief executive Roy Whalley said: "We're distraught and heartbroken and everyone's thoughts are with the lad's parents and family."
Anton collapsed just before noon during a training match at the Aston University training ground. The defender had just chested down a cross and there was no contact with any player.
Halsall tried to revive him while first team goalkeeper Clayton Ince, training on the next pitch, drove to get a doctor. The air ambulance took Anton, who had a young sister, to Selly Oak.
West Bromwich Albion club doctor Rik Jarams and academy physio Steve Wright also rushed to help from the Baggies training ground nearby.
Anton signed his two-year apprentice in July. Routine cardiac and fitness tests had given him the all-clear.
His death follows those of Gadsby, who died at the age of 27 last year, and 17-year-old youth team player Danny White, who died from cancer in February.
The Pontin's Holidays League fixture between Walsall and Wolves reserves tonight is now off.
