Fellow footballers were among the mourners
Family and footballers gathered for the funeral of goalkeeper Dale Roberts.
The 24-year-old was found dead at his home in Higham Ferrers, Rushden, Northamptonshire, on 14 December.
He played for Rushden and Diamonds and had also appeared for the England C team and played academy football for Middlesbrough.
The funeral at St Mary's Church, in Horden, County Durham, was attended by fellow footballers including England star Adam Johnson.
He grew up with Mr Roberts in County Durham and they were school friends.
When he scored the winning goal in Manchester City's 1-0 win over Blackpool on New Year's Day, he revealed the message 'RIP Dale' under his shirt.
Adam Johnson grew up with Dale Roberts
The funeral was also attended by the Rushden and Diamonds squad and Middlesbrough players David Wheater and Matthew Bates.
Mr Robert's coffin was carried into the church by friends and Rushden and Diamonds players carried it out afterwards.
Before their match against Kettering Town on Monday, fans laid flowers on the pitch and held a minute's applause in the goalkeeper's memory.
Northamptonshire Police said Mr Roberts' death was not being treated as suspicious.
An inquest into his death was opened and adjourned last month when the cause of death was given as asphyxia.
- Published17 December 2010
- Published15 December 2010
- Published14 December 2010
