Former Celtic full-back Stuart Gray dies aged 50

Former Celtic full-back Stuart Gray has died at the age of 50, his former club have announced.

Celtic will wear black armbands against Ross County in tribute to the former defender, who has died following an illness.

Gray came through the Celtic academy before making 32 first-team appearances for the club after making his debut in 1993.

A statement from Celtic read: “Everyone at Celtic is deeply saddened by the news that former Celt, Stuart Gray has passed away after illness at the age of 50.

Everyone at #CelticFC is deeply saddened by the news that former Celt, Stuart Gray has passed away after illness at the age of 50.

The Celtic players will wear black armbands in tribute to Stuart at today's game against Ross County.

Rest in Peace Stuart, YNWA 💚🍀
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) January 27, 2024

“The midfielder, son of Eddie and nephew of Frank Gray, both stars of the famed Leeds United side of the early 1970s, came through the youth ranks at Celtic and made his debut in a 1-0 home win over Aberdeen on May 1, 1993.

“That was the first of 32 games for the Hoops in which he scored one goal, with the strike coming in a 4-1 home win over Raith Rovers in May 1996.

“Stuart joined Tommy Burns’ Reading side in 1998 and was there for three years before going on to play with Rushden & Diamonds for four years where he made 142 appearances.

“The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Celtic Park are with Stuart’s family and friends at this very sad time.”