Steve Jagielka dead: Brother of Phil Jagielka dies aged 43 as former clubs pay tribute

Former footballer Steve Jagielka, the older brother of former England international Phil, has died at the age of 43.

His former clubs Shrewsbury Town, Sheffield United and Accrington Stanley posted Twitter tributes to the midfielder after the tragic news emerged.

The Blades posted: ‘Sheffield United is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former player Steven Jagielka – brother of current defender Phil – at the age of 43.

Former Shrewsbury Town, Sheffield United and Accrington Stanley midfielder Steve Jagielka has died at the age of 43

Jagielka helped Accrington back into the Football League with a Conference win in 2006

Steve Jagielka is the older brother to Sheffield United defender Phil Jagielka (centre)

Sheffield United, where Steve spent the 2003-04 season and his brother Phil still plays, paid tribute on Twitter to their former player

Jagielka spent seven years as a Shrewsbury Town player between 1997 and 2003

‘The condolences of all at the Blades are with Phil and the rest of the Jagielka family at this difficult time.’

Jagielka spent a short time with the Blades but didn’t make an appearance in between spells at Shrewsbury and Accrington, whom he helped into the Football League in 2006.

Accrington tweeted: ‘Everyone at ASFC is absolutely devastated to hear of the death of former midfielder Steve Jagielka.

‘Steve made history with the Reds, playing a big part as Stanley won the Conference title in 2006.

‘Our thoughts are with his family & friends at this tragic time.’

Jagielka celebrates after Shrewsbury score at Exeter to avoid dropping out the league in 2000

Jagielka was part of the Accrington Stanley team that won the Conference in 2005-06

Jagielka made over 200 appearances for Shrewsbury between 1997 and 2003, with the club tweeting: ‘Shrewsbury Town Football Club is deeply saddened to receive news that Steve Jagielka has passed away aged 43. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this tragic time.’

Current Shrews midfielder Dave Edwards wrote: ‘Absolutely devastating news about Jags. I loved watching him from the terraces and he was great with me when I got into the first team.

‘A Salop legend and great guy. My thoughts and condolences are with his family. RIP mate.’

AFC Telford United were one of the non-league clubs Jagielka played for later in his career

Jagielka rounded off his career in non-league football, playing for Droylsden, AFC Telford United, Hednesford Town and Ellesmere Rangers.

Telford boss Gavin Cowan gave his tribute: ‘I am absolutely devastated to hear of the passing of my friend & ex-team mate Jags.

‘Only recently we shared some memories of our playing days together. He was a great character to be around.

‘My heart goes out to his children & family, he will be incredibly missed.’