Dermot Drummy dead aged 56: Ex-Chelsea youth coach and Crawley Town boss passes away
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FORMER Chelsea youth coach and Crawley Town boss Dermot Drummy has died aged 56.
The late academy guru0's death occurred suddenly on Monday morning and was confirmed by his son Joe on Twitter, although the cause is still unknown.
He wrote: "OK so this is the toughest day. Unfortunately my Dad passed away this morning, I bloody loved that guy and couldn’t have been more proud of his achievements in all aspects of life.
"Best Dad I could have asked for. To me a f***ing legend and awesome role model."
Drummy left League Two Crawley after a year in charge in May.
After a playing career that began at Arsenal, the ex-midfielder went on to represent Blackpool before plying his trade at a number of non-league clubs that included Hendon, Wealdstone, Enfield, Ware and St Albans.
Drummy took his first steps into the dug-out when he was appointed player-manager at Ware in 1996.
However, he left the club halfway through his first season in charge to take up at role coaching in Arsenal's academy.
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He stayed with the Gunners until 2009 when he switched to London rivals Chelsea to take up a similar position.
He took charge of the youth and reserve sides during his five-year stay with the Blues, working with a number of the most-promising young talent in the country.
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He guided the club to FA Youth Cup joy in 2010 - Chelsea's first triumph in the competition for 49 years.
Following Steve Holland's promotion to the first-team staff, Drummy was promoted to reserve team manager in 2011 as his replacement.
He went on to win the Under-21 Premier League during the 2013/14 campaign before he was given the role of international head coach in June 2014.
A year later he reportedly rejected the opportunity to manage Brazilian side Bangu, but he did leave West London a year later to take over the Red Devils.
Crawley paid tribute to their late boss following the sad news of his death, tweeting: "Everyone at the club is devastated by the news that our former manager Dermot Drummy passed away earlier today.
"Our thoughts are with his family and friends. We will be issuing a full statement tomorrow after speaking to Dermot’s family.
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"Dermot was a real people person. He had time for everyone at the club and he loved to make us laugh!
"He brought many of the current squad to Crawley and they are as stunned as we all are at this terrible news. #RIPDermot."
A number of Chelsea stars from past and present also mourned his loss.
The club's former defender Frank Sinclair wrote: "Real sad news regarding Dermot Drummy passing away at such a young age, top guy always had time for people. #RiP @ChelseaFC developer of youth."
Swansea boss Paul Clement, who worked alongside Drummy during his time with the Blues' academy, wrote: "Shocked to hear of the death of my former colleague from Chelsea FC, Dermot Drummy. Very sad. Rest In Peace."
And Middlesbrough striker Patrick Bamford, who played under Drummy in the Chelsea youth set-up, wrote: "Can’t believe it, gutted. He was a man who always brought life and soul to the building, not to mention a fantastic coach. Thoughts go out to his family and loved ones. RIP."