Ehiogu: dies at 44

Former England defender and Aston Villa player, Ugo Ehiogu, has died aged 44.

Tottenham confirmed that Ehiogu who was a coach of its youth’s club died on Friday morning that Ehiogu from the heart attack that saw him collapse at the club’s training ground on Thursday.

A statement from the club said: “It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of Ugo Ehiogu, our under-23 coach.

“Ugo received immediate treatment after suffering a cardiac arrest at the Training Centre yesterday before being transferred to hospital where ha passed away in the early hours of the morning.

“Head of coaching and player development John McDermott said: ‘Words cannot express the shock and sadness that we all feel at the club. Ugo’s immense presence will be irreplaceable. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to his wife Gemma and his family.’

“We should also like to place on record our thanks to all the medical professionals including those at North Middlesex University Hospital, Royal Brompton Hospital and Harefield Hospital for their care and support.”

UK Telegraph reports that Ehiogu, Spurs’ Under-23 coach, was rushed to hospital after collapsing at the club’s training centre.

The newspaper reports that Manager Mauricio Pochettino was among the shocked staff who rushed to the Academy pitches, where Ehiogu had been coaching after an ambulance and paramedics were called shortly before noon.

Having been born in East London, Ehiogu who has a Nigerian origin joined West Bromwich Albion as a trainee before moving to Villa where he established himself as one of the best defenders in the Premier League and played for nine years, winning the League Cup twice.