Former Port Vale and Wigan defender Matt Carragher dies aged 40

Former Port Vale captain Matt Carragher has died after losing his battle with cancer at the age of 40.

Carragher made 220 appearances for the Valiants and led the club to victory in the LDV Vans Trophy final at Cardiff's Millenium Stadium in 2001.

"We are saddened to hear of the passing of former Vale captain Matt Carragher. Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this time," Port Vale tweeted.

The Liverpool-born defender started out with Wigan Athletic where he played 145 games and won the Division Three title during his four years with the club before joining Vale on a free transfer in 1997.

Wigan's current assistant manager, Graham Barrow, was in charge of the Latics during the 1994-95 season and fondly remembers the right-back.

"It's a real shock to hear the news, he's gone too young, it's really sad and our thoughts are with his family and friends," Barrow said on Wigan's website.

"I remember Matty as a really good young player, who came through the ranks under David Crompton and in those days we relied on the players we either produced ourselves or brought in at a young age who were released from other clubs.

"It was obvious from a young age he had something special. He gave everything every time he put on the shirt, with great energy and a terrific attitude to the game.

"He was a lovely lad to manage, and it was a real pleasure to see him progress over the years. I know he is remembered very fondly at Port Vale as well where he became a big favourite. A really sad day." 

Port Vale announced they will hold a minute's silence ahead of Friday's League One match with Chesterfield.