West Bromwich Albion are deeply saddened to confirm the passing of the Club’s Director, General Counsel and Secretary Simon Carrington at the age of 34.

Simon passed away in the early hours of Friday morning after a brave fight against cancer with which he was diagnosed in September 2018.

The Club extends its deepest condolences to Simon’s wife Hannah and parents John and Margaret with whom we have remained in constant contact during this difficult period.

Simon survived to see the birth of his first child, Harvey, in January leaving behind instructions that his boy join the Baggies family in the years ahead to share a sense of his dad’s devotion to the Club.

Chief Executive Mark Jenkins, who worked closely with Simon throughout his Hawthorns career, said: “Simon was an outstanding colleague and professional who will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.

“He fought the illness with trademark determination and was working from his hospital bed right up until the end. That was absolutely typical of his nature.

“It has been a sombre period for all of us, knowing he was facing this health battle and yet the news of his passing has still been a shock.

"That does not compare to what Hannah and the family are feeling today but we want them to know they have our full support.

“One of Simon’s last requests was to have a plaque mounted at The Hawthorns for Harvey to come and see in the years ahead, to know the role his dad played in the Club’s story.

"We shall, of course, make sure that is done.”

Albion appointed Simon, a qualified solicitor with specialist experience in commercial contracts, branding, data protection and intellectual property as well as legal employment and corporate issues, in June 2013.

Since then he has been at the heart of the Club’s activities and an important and respected voice in the boardroom.

He and former Director of Football Administration Richard Garlick were nominated Birmingham Law Society’s in-house Legal Team of the Year during their work together.

Richard, now Director of Football with the Premier League, was back at the Club’s training ground today and said: “He was an incredible professional and colleague - loyal, humble and hugely respected by his peers.

“When I’ve told people at the Premier League today the response has been unanimous - ‘top, top guy’. Simon was the ultimate professional and we will miss him greatly.”

As a mark of respect, the players will wear black armbands for Saturday’s Sky Bet Championship fixture against Brentford at Griffin Park.