Liverpool pay emotional tribute as kit manager Jonathan Humble dies suddenly

Liverpool Women have confirmed that their kit manager, Jonathan Humble, has tragically died following a sudden illness. A statement announcing the devastating news was published on the club's website on Wednesday evening.

The club revealed Humble had died at Leighton Hospital in Crewe after falling ill at home on Sunday evening. The statement read: "Liverpool FC is deeply saddened by the passing of women's first team kit manager Jonathan Humble, following a sudden illness. The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Jon's family, friends and loved ones at this sad time."

Liverpool Women's head coach Gareth Taylor offered his condolences following the heartbreaking news, saying: "We may have only had Jon at AXA Melwood for a short space of time but he made a huge impact.

"His meticulous standards never dropped and he was always on hand to help a player or staff member who popped into his room.

"It is difficult to believe we have lost him so young and of course Claire and his children are uppermost in our thoughts today."

Andy O'Boyle, the managing director of Liverpool Women, also offered his tribute to Humble, calling him "an outstanding professional and a person of the highest character".

He said: "This is devastating news and the first thing to say is that all our love and thoughts are with Jon's wife Claire and his three children at this time.

"I knew Jon from his time at Manchester United and always regarded him as an outstanding professional and a person of the highest character. Although we were only lucky enough to have him with us for a couple of months, his pride in his work and his drive to set the highest standards shone through from day one.

"His family spoke about how much he told them he was enjoying it here, which means a great deal to all of us.

"When visiting him this week in the hospital, we met people from several different clubs - a sign of the high esteem in which he was held wherever he went. We will all miss him terribly."