FLOWERS and written tributes line the gates of Bromsgrove Rovers Football Club to mark the life of Ashley Read.

Fans, players and club officials alike have united in grief at the tragic loss of their bright young talent.

Ashley, aged 19 and from Belbroughton, suffered major injuries in a car accident on Sunday, February 22, and died in hospital four days later.

His death has shocked everyone connected with Bromsgrove Rovers as well as the wider community.

Messages of condolence from across the country and as far away as Cape Town have been posted on the club's official website and last Saturday's home match with Cinderford Town was postponed as a mark of respect.

Rovers joint manager Gary Hackett said he would remember Ashley as special young man who had everything going for him.

He said: "You would be hard pressed to meet a more pleasant person. He was a special person, mature and had a loving family.

"He had everything in front of him and it's a tragedy we will never be able to see where he could have taken himself. He would have gone a long, long way. I believe he had the potential to play Football League.

"He made you feel good about yourself because he was a positive young lad. He used to say 'Gary, get me on the pitch and I will score a goal.'

"My thoughts are very much with his family and girlfriend's family."

Ashley, who had one week left on loan at Stourport Swifts, scored four goals for Rovers, including a cup winner at Kidderminster Harriers last month and two at Shepshed Dynamo in December.

He joined Bromsgrove last summer after a successful spell with Cirencester Town's Youth Academy, winning the national colleges cup, before scoring a hat-trick in Rovers' pre-season friendly with Alvechurch.

Club chairman Tom Herbert said Ashley, who had a one-week trial at West Bromwich Albion before Christmas, was a club favourite.

"He enjoyed his time here and he couldn't wait to get back," he added.