SAINTS have issued a heartfelt statement following the tragic passing of former academy player Ben Cull.

Cull, 24, joined the club in 2012 and rose through the age groups, representing the England under-16 team and establishing himself in Southampton’s under-21 side.
 
Cull’s promising football career was cut short in 2017 after being diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer, at which point he dedicated himself to charity fundraising events for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

His efforts saw him become the inaugural inductee into the Saints Academy Alumni Hall of Fame and win the Premier League’s Academy Alumni award.
 
Southampton’s club statement adds: “The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Ben’s family, friends and his partner Daisy at this extremely difficult time.
 
“We will be holding a minute’s applause in memory of Ben before our home game against Ipswich Town on Tuesday, September 19.”