The Football Association is saddened to learn of the death of former England C player Mitchell Cole, who has died at the age of 27.
Cole featured for Paul Fairclough's team during his time with Stevenage and was also the second man to score in the first Final at the new Wembley Stadium during Stevenage's FA Trophy victory over Kidderminster in 2007.
He suffered from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy which is an irregular thickness of the heart in certain areas and had been forced to retire as a professional player in February last year owing to a heart attack.
A former West Ham academy player, Cole also played for Southend United and Oxford United before his retirement and has since represented non-League Arlesey Town.
Tributes to Cole, who was married to the sister of England international Joe Cole, have also been made by his former clubs, the Football League and the PFA.
The Hammers wrote on their official Twitter feed: "Everyone at West Ham United has been saddened to learn of the death of former Hammers Academy player Mitchell Cole at the age of 27. RIP."
The Football League added: "We are sad to hear former Southend, Stevenage and Oxford player Mitchell Cole has passed away. Our thoughts are with his family and friends."
Meanwhile the PFA joined the League in expressing its condolences, tweeting: "The PFA is deeply saddened by the loss of 27-year-old Mitchell Cole, our thoughts are with his friends and family."
In an interview with The Sun he said: "A few players around the world die of this every year. The specialists told me that every day I have a one percent chance of dropping dead and sport quadruples that risk.
"When he gave me the numbers and showed me images of my heart, it hit me hard."
Stevenage also said on their official Twitter account: "The club are saddened to hear of the passing of former player Mitchell Cole. Our thoughts are with his family at this time."
Southend United said they were "extremely saddened" to hear the news, while Oxford United tweeted: "Our thoughts are with the family of Mitchell Cole."