Ethan McLeod: Macclesfield forward dies in car accident on M1

McLeod scored three goals in seven appearances for Macclesfield; one of which was on his debut against Atherton LR in the FA Cup second qualifying round in September.

The Ipekmen Supporters Foundation (SST) said it was “devastated” by the loss of “one of our own”.

Fan and SST board member Jon Smart told BBC Sport: “Ethan has broken into our club’s first team and is starting to make a real difference, scoring twice in recent weeks.”

“He was a very agile striker and the fans saw him as an important member of the first team squad, improving with every match, goal-oriented and with the potential to move higher up the football pyramid.

“He would regularly come to the bar after matches to mingle with the fans and we couldn’t help but notice his engaging smile and cheerful and happy attitude after matches.

“His passing will have a terrible impact on the players. Losing one of their own in such poor circumstances will be a pain that is hard to bear.”

Manager of Macclesfield Town, before the club reformed as Macclesfield FC Keith Alexander and midfielder Richard Butcher He died 10 months apart.

Smart added: “Like Alexander in 2010 and Butcher in 2011 – both lost in difficult and tragic circumstances – Ethan McLeod will forever remain a Silker.”