Former Stoke and Scotland player dies at the age of just 49

Former Stoke City defender Peter Handyside has sadly passed away at the age of just 49, it has been announced.

The former Scotland Under-21 international also played for Grimsby Town and Barnsley in his playing career, but is perhaps most well remembered for his role in helping Stoke City from promotion to the Championship, then called the First Division in 2002.

A club statement read: “Stoke City is saddened to learn of the death of former club captain Peter Handyside. Peter was a promotion winner with the Potters in 2002 before also helping preserve Championship status the following season.

“He featured on 88 occasions in red and white. The thoughts and condolences of everyone connected with the Club are with Peter’s family and friends at this difficult time.”

Stoke wore black armbands and held a minute’s silence in Handyside’s memory for yesterday’s game, while his other clubs such as Grimsby also paid tribute to the player.