Death
Cole died on 1 December 2012, aged 27.
Tributes were widely paid to Cole following his death. Cole's first club, Grays Athletic, released a statement — "He is best remembered for his rampaging runs down the left wing, and for scoring some spectacular goals". Stevenage chairman Phil Wallace also paid tribute — "It's such a sad, tragic loss of a young life. Mitch was a key figure for us in the seasons that saw us enjoy a lot of success. We all knew of his condition but it's simply devastating that a young family with such spirit is taken from us so suddenly". Former England C manager Paul Fairclough, who once stated Cole had "the potential to be the new Ryan Giggs", said he was "shattered" by the news of Cole's death. In an emotional tribute, Fairclough went on to say — "Off the pitch Mitch was fun to be around. He had an amazing outlook on life with a wicked sense of humour. He was admired and respected by people of all ages. He had time for everyone; from the tiny tots to senior football people. He was uncomplicated, extremely approachable and would chat with all types. I cannot believe this bright eyed young man has been taken from us".
Grays Athletic held a minute's silence ahead of their game against Ware on the same day, while Oxford United players wore black armbands during their 3–3 draw with Accrington Stanley. Without a first-team match on the day of Cole's death, Stevenage fans paid tribute to Cole by applauding on the 21st minute, the number he wore during his time at the club, during the club's 2–1 FA Youth Cup win over Wigan Athletic. The following day, AFC Wimbledon players wore armbands with 'Mitch' written on them, during their televised FA Cup tie against Milton Keynes Dons. Wimbledon striker Jack Midson dedicated his goal to Cole — "The goal meant a lot to me because my friend Mitchell Cole died". Ahead of Oxford United's first home match since Cole's death, against Aldershot Town on 8 December 2012, Oxford United players warmed up in commemorative T-shirts reading "Team Mates Forever — Cole 17". There was also a minute's applause in tribute to Cole before the match. Norwich City striker Steve Morison paid tribute to Cole after scoring in the club's League Cup quarter-final tie against Aston Villa on 11 December, lifting up his shirt in celebration to reveal a T-shirt — "RIP Mitchell Cole". The pair had played together, and formed a successful partnership, during their time at Stevenage. Stevenage paid a host of tributes to Cole during their first home match since his death, a game against Crawley Town on 15 December, with all Stevenage players and staff wearing white T-shirts with "Cole — 21" on the back prior to the match. A minute's silence was held before kick-off, and both sets of supporters clapped during the 21st minute of the match. The following day, Cole was remembered, along with a number of sportspeople who had passed away in 2012, during the 2012 BBC Sports Personality of the Year award ceremony.
Stevenage chairman Phil Wallace announced that the club has planned a benefit match for Cole, to be played at Broadhall Way in May 2013.
Read more about this topic: Mitchell Cole
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