'Heaven has gained a striker' - 13 pictures of tributes to Billy Vigar at Chichester City after striker's tragic death

The first bunches of flowers were laid at the ground in the hours after the 21-year-old’s death was announced on Thursday evening. More were left on Friday morning by fans, other clubs and people who knew Billy.

A number left messages. One said: “Heaven has gained a striker.” Another said: “You may be gone from the pitch but you’ll never be gone from our hearts.”

The tributes at the ground came as team-mates, fans, clubs and club officials from across Sussex and much farther afield expressed their sorrow at the tragedy.

Team-mate Ben Pashley was among players to pay respects on X. He wrote: “Since Saturday I’ve been praying I wouldn’t have to write this message. We are all absolutely heartbroken. You were a real gent and truly one of life’s good guys. You will be missed dearly. RIP Billy.”

Billy had been in an induced coma since suffering a signficiant brain injury when he collided with a pitch-side brick wall in City’s game at Wingate and Finchley last Saturday. He had been unable to recover from the severe injury and died on Thursday morning.

Chichester’s planned home game with Lewes on Saturday has been postponed and other City games may also be called off.

Billy’s former clubs Arsenal, Derby County, Eastbourne Borough and Hastings United have been among those paying tribute to him – along with Storrington Community FC where he played as a junior.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said: “It is shocking news. Straight away you’re thinking about the family, and how difficult it is to go through something like this in a very unexpected way.

“Hopefully they can understand how it happened, and why it happened, and obviously try to avoid this kind of thing. It is really sad news, and our thoughts are with the family and all his loved ones.”

Billy’s family have links to Storrington and Steyning and he had many friends across West Sussex.

The FA are among football organisations to pass on their condolences to Billy’s family and to Chi City. They said on X: “We are devastated to hear that Billy Vigar has passed away. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, loved ones, and everyone at Chichester City FC at this incredibly difficult time.”

The Isthmian League – of which Chichester City have been members since 2019 – have paid tribute to Billy and revealed all matches in their league this weekend will feature a minute’s silence and players wearing black armbands.

The league said: “The Isthmian League family is devastated to learn of the tragic passing of Chichester City player Billy Vigar. We would like to extend our deepest condolences to Billy’s family and friends, and to all at the club, as they try to come to terms with their unimaginable loss.

“City were scheduled to play on Saturday (Sep 27), but that match has, of course, been postponed. As a mark of respect, a minute of silence will be observed before all matches this weekend, and all players will wear black armbands.”