Former Carlisle United players are among those paying tribute after the devastating news that Yeovil captain Lee Collins has died.

The National League club today announced that their skipper, 32, passed away yesterday.

Tributes and messages of sympathy have come in from across the game in response to the tragic news.

Former Blues defender Max Hunt, who played alongside Collins this season after joining the Glovers from Carlisle, paid tribute on Twitter.

He wrote: "Our captain. The greatest man you could meet, a pleasure to have known you. Condolences to his family, rest easy skip."

Ex-United and Yeovil star Francois Zoko also expressed his sympathy while ex-Blues midfielder Adam Murray, who signed Collins at Mansfield, said: "Absolutely gutted, I can’t get my head around this. One of my best signings, Not just as a player but an unbelievable person. You gave me everything my friend and I will miss you .True leader!!"

Football clubs across the country, including those for whom Collins played, have also spoken of their sorrow.

Yeovil announced the news on their website today in a statement.

It said: "All at Yeovil Town Football Club are mourning the loss of club captain Lee Collins.

"Lee sadly passed away yesterday and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. 

"We ask everyone to respect the family's privacy at this time.

"The club will make no further comment at this time."

Yeovil have postponed tomorrow's National League game against Altrincham.

No details have been given about the circumstances of Collins' passing, though Avon & Somerset Police have said the footballer's death was not being treated as suspicious.

A police spokesperson said: "Officers attended a report of a sudden death at an address in High Street, West Coker yesterday evening at about 5pm.

"Sadly, the body of a 32-year-old man was located.

"His death is not being treated as suspicious and has been referred to the coroner. His family have been informed and our thoughts are with them."

The defender played eight times for Yeovil this season, his last appearance coming against Stockport last month.

The Telford-born player had been with Yeovil since 2019, having previously played for Forest Green, Mansfield, Northampton, Shrewsbury, Barnsley, Port Vale, Hereford and Wolves.