A tribute to Jlloyd Samuel

Yesterday we heard the devastating news that former Bolton Wanderers defender Jlloyd Samuel had been involved in a car crash and as a result, had sadly lost his life. He was only 37.

Jlloyd Samuel joined Wanderers in 2007 from Aston Villa, with whom he’d spent eight years. Sammy Lee may have signed him, but his best years at Bolton were under the tutelage of Gary Megson.

Samuel played 83 times for Bolton between 2007 and 2011. He helped keep Wanderers in the Premier League in 2008, and was ever present in the 2008/2009 season. He also played for Bolton in the UEFA Cup four times, starting both the historic games against Atletico Madrid, who he helped knock out of Europe.

After a brief loan spell with Cardiff City, Samuel left Wanderers and spent four years playing in Iran.

Samuel also spent a considerable amount of his career playing international football. Firstly with the England youth setup up to U21 level, earning a call up to the 1st team in 2004. Samuel eventually got the opportunity to play for the country of his birth, Trinidad & Tobago, in 2009.

Up until his death, Samuel was the player/manager of non-league side Egerton, purely playing for the love of the game.

Above all else, Jlloyd Samuel was a husband, father and friend. He will be sorely missed by many.

Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Jlloyd at this difficult time.

RIP Jlloyd Samuel.