Clubs and teammates pay tribute to Charlie Strutton following his death at 34

Maidenhead United are one of many clubs to have sent condolences to the family and friends of former player Charlie Strutton following his death at the age of just 34.

The talented forward began his career locally with Chalfont St Peter where his goal-scoring prowess became a central part of the Saints’ run to the FA Vase semi-final in 2009 and the Spartan League title in 2011.

From Mill Meadow, he progressed to EFL club AFC Wimbledon in 2012 before making the first of a series of loan moves to Maidenhead.

Scoring on his debut against Woking from the bench in March 2012, it was a notable three points for the Magpies against the eventual champions but more significantly without those points United would have not been playing National League South football the following season.

Charlie made two starts and was named on the bench a further three times during that initial spell and returned to serve Johnson Hippolyte once more in 2014/15, making a further seven starts and being named as a substitute once.

Charlie had by this time left Wimbledon to join Alan Devonshire at Braintree Town and it was Dev who brought the striker back for a third spell with the Magpies in the 2016/17 season, where he made a further two starts in Berks & Bucks Senior Cup matches.

But the goalscoring form of Dave Tarpey and Sean Marks in that title winning season limited the striker to just four more appearances on the bench in the National League South.

In all, Charlie made 11 starts for the Magpies and was named as substitute a further eight times, scoring once.

Sean Marks – who played with Strutton under Dev at Braintree and Maidenhead – paid tribute to Strutton who he described as “one of my favourite strike partners to play with.”

Midfielder James Mulley also played alongside Charlie during his time at York Road. He said: “So sad to hear this. A really nice guy and great teammate. Injury prevented him from progressing as he could have but he will always be remembered fondly. RIP Charlie.”

Charlie also played for Maidenhead’s neighbours Slough Town during a loan spell from Braintree Town in the 2015/16 season. He scored six goals in 16 appearances for the Rebels in the Southern League.

“We are saddened to learn the news of the passing of former player Charlie Strutton, aged 34,” said a club statement. “Everyone at the club sends their deepest condolences to Charlie’s family and friends, and all at Chalfont St Peter at this sad time.”

Chalfont St Peter have created an area at the front of the clubhouse where fans can leave a personal tribute if they wish to do so.

Chairman Dennis Mair, who watched and encouraged Charlie’s progress from youth levels through to the first team said: “Words cannot express the unbearable sadness I feel following the news of Charlie’s passing. Without question a light has gone out at Chalfont St Peter and for everyone that knew Charlie. He will be remembered in the most loving and cherished ways that all good souls who enter our lives, however briefly, are remembered.

“Our love and condolences from absolutely everyone at Chalfont St Peter go to his family in the knowledge that we’ve all been touched by a rare gift that in time will give us the strength to carry on. Charlie, my few words don’t go anywhere near doing you the justice that you deserve but it comes purely from my heart to you.”

League 2 side AFC Wimbledon posted: “Everyone at Wimbledon is deeply saddened to read of the passing of our former player Charlie Strutton. Our sincerest condolences go to Charlie’s family and friends at this extremely difficult time. We are so sorry for your loss. RIP Charlie.”