Local football in mourning over death of Marcus Beddoe

His family revealed the former Chesterfield FC Academy and Matlock Town man had passed away on Tuesday and they have since been overwhelmed by the messages and tributes from clubs and players from a wide area.

“I have never heard anyone say a bad word about Marcus and the tributes being paid over the past couple of days show what people thought of him,” said dad Steve.

“He was a very kind person. He was one of those lads that his friends probably thought was boisterous and the life and soul of the party – which he could be.

“But deep down he was a bit of a shy individual. He was a lovely lad and I don't know how we are going to get on without him.”

The versatile Marcus had followed the management team of Dave Hall and Dale Spragg to Clipstone having played under them at Matlock and was used as a striker, central midfielder or winger, having played as a defender at Matlock for a time.

Born in Rugby he moved up to Chesterfield with the family through his dad's Post Office job and attended St Mary's Primary and St Mary's High Roman Catholic schools.

He spent four years with Chesterfield FC's Academy until 2008 and then played for Somersall Rangers until 2011 before a season at Matlock Town

Instead of completing A-levels, Marcus signed up for the Football League's Futsal scheme which allowed him to play the scaled down, skills-based version of the sport under the guidance of former Chesterfield star Andy Morris while passing a B-Tec Extended Diploma in Sport.

He ended up top scorer in the Futsal league in 2012/13 and 2013/14 – earning selection to play for his country at U19s - as well as top scorer for Chesterfield Futsal in 2012/13 in North Midlands Division One and 2013/14 in North Central Division One.

Marcus was offered a scholarship at Loughborough in 2014 where he was able to pass a Foundation degree in Sports Science and a BA in Applied Sports Science as well as being part of their international Futsal Academy.

After winning Futsal's Midlands Division Two title he went on to play in the FA National Futsal Super League, but being a tall, gangly player, he began to suffer knee problems and had to stop playing Futsal, returning to Matlock Town after University.

He enjoyed a successful season with their reserves and won Manager's Player of the Season in 2017/18.

After another good year there he moved on to Clipstone where he had played whatever games the Covid pandemic allowed over the last two seasons.

“He really enjoyed it at Clipstone, even though games were limited” said dad Steve.

He leaves behind Steve, mum Mary and older sisters Jayne and Amy.