Villa Park erupted into a round of applause before kick off while both sets of players wore black armbands for late Prem ace
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ASTON VILLA and Middlesbrough joined forces to pay their respects to tragic Jlloyd Samuel.
The former Premier League star, who spent nine years at Villa, died at just 37 in a fireball crash after dropping his children off at school.
Both Villa and Boro players wore black armbands to remember him, while Villa Park erupted into applause for a minute.
A picture of Samuel was displayed on the big screen ahead of the Championship play-off second leg clash and flowers were laid down outside the ground.
Ex-Trinidad and Tobago international Samuel was involved in a collision with a truck on a country lane near Warrington today.
He was a father to three children - Javarne, 10, Lakyle, 8, and Amara, 5.
A Cheshire Police statement said: "Emergency services remain at the scene of a serious collision involving a van and a car in High Legh.
"At around 7.55am police were called following reports of a collision involving a van and a Range Rover near to Costcutter on West Lane.
"Sadly the driver of the car, Jlloyd Samuel, 37, from Lymm, died at the scene.
"His next of kin have been informed and are currently being supported by specially trained officers.
"The driver of the van, a 54-year-old man, sustained serious injuries and has been taken to hospital for treatment.
";Road closures remain in place at either end of West Lane, near to the junctions of the A56 and the A50. Motorists are advised to avoid the area."
Villa released a statement saying: "We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of our former player Jlloyd Samuel at the age of just 37 in a car accident.
"Our players will wear black armbands as a mark of respect tonight and our thoughts are with his friends and family at this very difficult time."
Samuel was born in Trinidad and Tobago but grew up in South-East London, where his talents as a schoolboy were spotted by Charlton.
He went on to play in the top flight for Villa and Bolton, and was called up for England at Under-18, U20 and U21 level.
