Former Stoke City skipper Peter Handyside was a club legend at Grimsby Town and joined the Potters in 2001 at a time when the club was struggling to break out of the third tier

Stoke City has led tributes to their former captain, Peter Handyside, who has died at the age of 49.

Handyside, a club legend at Grimsby Town, joined Stoke in 2001 and captained them to promotion from Division Two in 2002. After his career, he worked as a furniture delivery driver and later moved back to Dumfries, where he grew up.

His sudden death has left supporters at his previous clubs in shock. Stoke City released a heartfelt statement that read: “The thoughts and condolences of everyone connected with Stoke City are with Peter’s family and friends at this difficult time. “As a mark of respect, the Potters’ players and staff will wear black armbands during today’s clash with Blackburn Rovers.”

Grimsby Town also expressed their sorrow: “Everyone at the football club is heartbroken to learn of the untimely passing of former player Peter Handyside. Our thoughts are with Peter’s family at this sad time. Once a Mariner, always a Mariner.”

Stoke fans have been sharing their memories too, and lifelong supporter Angela Smith, who will be co-commentating for Radio Stoke at Blackburn, said: “It’s really sad to learn of the death of a former Stoke captain.

“Many fans will remember him for lifting the trophy when we beat Brentford to win promotion to the Championship and for helping us cement our position in the league the following season. He was an excellent captain and I’m thinking of his friends and family at this time.”Grimsby Town