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Former Chelsea Academy coach and Crawley Town manager Dermot Drummy has died aged 56.

Drummy, who left League Two side Crawley in May after a year in charge, passed away on Monday morning.

The former Arsenal youth trainee joined Chelsea as an Academy coach in 2009, where he took charge of the youth team and reserves over a five year period.

His son, Joe, confirmed the news on Twitter.

"Ok so this is the toughest day. Unfortunately my Dad passed away this morning, I bloody loved that guy and couldn’t have been more proud of his achievements in all aspects of life.

(Image: Getty)

"Best Dad I could have asked for.

"To me a f****** legend and awesome role model."

Drummy won the Under-21 Premier League with Chelsea in 2014, before moving onto the role of international head coach.

He took on his first managerial job in April 2016, where he became Crawley Town manager. He was replaced by Harry Kewell this summer.

A Crawley statement read: "Everyone at the club is devastated by the news that our former manager Dermot Drummy passed away earlier today.

(Image: Getty Images Europe)

"Our thoughts are with his family and friends. We will be issuing a full statement tomorrow after speaking to Dermot’s family.

"Dermot was a real people person. He had time for everyone at the club and he loved to make us laugh!

"He brought many of the current squad to Crawley and they are as stunned as we all are at this terrible news.

Tributes were paid to Drummy on social media after the news of his death was announced.

Bournemouth defender Nathan Ake, who played under Drummy at Chelsea, wrote: "Absolutely shocked to hear this news. Great person and a great coach. RIP Dermot."

On Instagram, Crawley midfielder Dean Cox wrote: "Can't thank you enough for signing me for my hometown club, a special man and a great footballing man, such sad news rip gaffer."

Crawley fan page Redz Bar Chat wrote on Twitter: "Absolutely shocked to hear of the passing of Dermot Drummy. A true gent who gave his all for the club and the local community. Rip"

Chelsea fan @King__Danny added: "Dermot Drummy was one of the catalysts behind our academy’s rise. Seemed to radiate happiness. I hope Chelsea will do some sort of tribute to him at the weekend. Gone way too soon."