THE family of a young football star who died days after being involved in a road accident, have thanked everyone for the support they have received, writes Kate Hughes.

Bromsgrove Rovers player Ashley Read, who came from Belbroughton, died last Thursday afternoon at University Hospital Birmingham, Selly Oak, after receiving head injuries in a car crash on the night of Sunday, February 22. The 19-year-old had spent the evening bowling with his girlfriend, Caroline, who was also in the car but escaped with minor injuries.

The accident happened at the junction of Money Lane, Fairfield, and the A491.

Another car, driven by a woman in her 40s, was also involved.

Ashley's grandmother, Una Read said: "We want to thank everyone for their kind support through this terrible time. Ashley was very much loved and this is such an awful time for us."

Ashley, who attended Haybridge High School in Hagley, was known as Ash to his friends and was an up-and-coming star at Rovers.

Before joining the club last summer, he was a student at Cirencester College football academy in Gloucestershire.

Academy coach Steve Lownds said: "We were devastated to hear what had happened. Ashley was a credit to the academy and was liked by everybody.

"A lot of his team-mates from last season have been in touch wanting to attend his funeral which shows in what high esteem they hold him.

"He was hoping to go into teaching and it will be a sad loss to the profession. "

Una Read is a Belbroughton parish councillor and, at Monday night's meeting, chairman Tim Cherry sent councillors' love, support and condolences to the Read family.

An inquest into Ashley's death was opened and adjourned at Stourport coroner's court yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon.

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