A young footballer found dead at home was 'destined for a career as a top professional' according to his shocked coaches.
Jordan Moseley, 15, from Middleton, near Manchester had been a member of the Accrington Stanley Academy for a number of years after being a ball boy for first team matches.
Glowing tributes have been paid to the Manchester City fan by the League Two, plus coaches at his junior teams in Oldham, Chadderton Park, and Heyside, report the Manchester Evening News.
Former mentors have praised the young sportsman as someone who was destined to play the game at a high level - with ex-Premier League midfielder Joey Barton calling his death 'heartbreaking'.
Wayne Hurst, who managed Jordan when he played for Chadderton Park, said: “Jordan came to me as an eight year old. He fitted in straight away, he was always the one player who wanted to prove himself.
“He knew from an early age he wanted to make it as a footballer, and his dad always wanted him to make it. It was clear he was something special on the pitch, and his desire is what got him noticed by others.
"He was with us for four years before he left to go on to play in the top division, and he continued to grow. I have kept a close eye on his progress even after he left as I knew he would get to where he wanted to be as a professional footballer.
“During his time at Accrington Stanley he was managed by a friend of mine, and he told me Jordan was earmarked for a scholarship due to the level of skill he had shown. He was a pleasure to coach, and he will be sadly missed by all his old team mates.
“He was a very hard worker. No one worked harder in training. He wanted to be the best. From the first couple of training sessions I knew he would get picked up by a professional club.
“He liked a laugh, but not on the pitch - when he was playing he was focused on he game."
The exact circumstances surrounding Jordan’s untimely death have not yet been disclosed.
Mark Jones, who managed Jordan for under 12, 13s and 14s Heyside Hawks, said: “He was a great lad. He was always happy and smiling. It was his dedication that struck me.
"He was destined to be a professional footballer. He ghosted past people, the ball stuck to him. Then he added scoring to his game and was getting 20 to 30 goals a season.”
Mr Jones posted a tribute to Jordan on social media, saying: "Goodbye to a super talented young man. It was a pleasure to know him and coach him and see him mature into one of the best young players I have seen.
"Kind and considerate and always good to be around. His passing will come as a huge loss to everyone that knew him. It was a pleasure to have seen him grow and be a fantastic team mate and friend to my son for so long. You will be missed massively.”
Mark Jackson, who was Jordan’s manager at AFC Oldham, who he also played for as a under 12s and under 13s player said: “He started as a full back and hten switched to the left wing for us.
"As a 13-year-old he was the Tameside league’s top scorer with 29 league goals and won a special award. He was a brilliant lad, with very supportive parents. He was the fittest lad in the team."
Accrington Stanley Academy manager Paul Lodge said: “Jordan was a lovely boy, he was a good player and the type of player every manager loves. He played on the wing, was a great athlete and a good runner. He was one we were watching for the future.
“We are all in shock and we know we will have to keep an eye on the other players, with counselling available if anyone needs it.
“Jordan was a credit to his family, he always worked hard, he was very popular and will be missed.
“All the Academy lads knew Jordan and it’s been a huge shock to the staff and the players.”
Football stars such as Joey Barton led the tribute after Jordan's sudden death.
In a statement released on their website the club said: “Accrington Stanley are shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden death of Academy player Jordan Moseley last night.
“The thoughts and condolences of everyone at Accrington Stanley go out to all of his family and friends at this difficult time.
“The English Football League and League Football Education will provide any necessary support to anyone affected by this tragedy.
“We ask that everyone shows respect to the family at this difficult time.
“Forever part of the Stanley Family, Jordan Moseley.”
Joey Barton said on twitter that it was 'heartbreaking news'.
Accrington Stanley chairman Andy Holt described Jordan’s death as ‘sad and tragic’ and confirmed the club were offering support to his family.
Holt said: “We are doing our best to respect the family at this time. It’s hitting us at the same time.
“I can’t say any more at this stage other than it’s really sad, and tragic. A young man has lost his life.”