Walsall lead tributes to academy graduate and non-league football favourite David McDermott after death aged 38

Walsall and Kidderminster Harriers have joined in the tributes to former Black Country footballer David McDermott, who has died aged 38.

McDermott was a graduate of the Saddlers’ academy and made his senior debut at the age of 16 in 2004 before playing 19 times for the club in all competitions. He remains the club’s youngest ever league debutant

The attacker was born in Stourbridge and represented his hometown among a host of non-league clubs in the region.

McDermott moved on to Kidderminster Harriers in 2008 and played 54 times for the Reds, who were chasing promotion from the Conference. He scored twice for the Harriers.

He went on to represent York City in the fifth tier and had spells in non-league in the West Midlands including with Halesowen Town, Stourbridge, Rushall Olympic, AFC Telford United and Worcester City. McDermott was in the Worcester squad that famously ousted Coventry City from the FA Cup first round in 2014.

The Saddlers wrote in a statement on Wednesday: “Everyone connected to Walsall Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of David McDermott, the club's youngest ever league debutant.

“David progressed through our youth system and made his debut for the Saddlers in the League Cup as a substitute against Sheffield Wednesday back in August 2004.

“Our deepest sympathies and condolences are with David's family and friends at this most difficult time.”

McDermott’s fellow former side Kidderminster posted: “All at Harriers are saddened to learn of the passing of former player David McDermott. David featured 54 times for the Reds between 2008 and 2010, scoring twice, as part of a promotion chasing National League side.

“At this heart-breaking time, our thoughts are with his family, friends and loved ones.”

Tributes were also posted by Stourbridge and Rushall. A host of non-league footballers and managers from the region shared tributes online.