TRIBUTES have flooded in for a Bradford-born footballer who died after an assault over the weekend.
Jordan Sinnott - son of former Bantam Lee Sinnott - died just before 7pm on Saturday, January 25 after being on a life support machine in hospital.
He was found unconscious in Retford Market Place, with a suspected fractured skull, at around 2am on the Saturday morning, Nottinghamshire Police said.
A 27-year-old man was arrested shortly after on suspicion of grievous bodily harm, and two 21-year-old males were detained on Sunday on suspicion of murder, after police launched a full murder investigation late on Saturday evening.
Sinnott - who was affectionately nicknamed Sinbad by those who knew him well - grew up in Bradford and attended Menston St Mary's school.
Childhood friend, Josh Windass - son of Bradford City legend Dean Windass and current Wigan midfielder - led the tributes on social media website Twitter.
The 26-year-old post several pictures of the pair together and posted a message at 4:18pm.
He said: "Woke up to the worst possible news this morning . Love you forever mate. My family love you and everyone else does too. Absolutely heartbroken."
A number of other professional footballers came out to share their condolences too.
Manchester United and England defender Harry Maguire gave his thoughts to Sinnott's family and friends, after his brother and Chesterfield FC player Laurence Maguire - who played with "Sinbad" in the 2017-18 season - shared the news.
Liam Cooper - current Leeds United captain - had a short spell on loan at Huddersfield Town in 2011, when Sinnott was in the academy.
The 28-year-old posted on Twitter to say: "Such tragic news. A lovely kid with a massive heart. Rest in Paradise, Sinbad."
Flowers and football shirts have been left in Retford Market Place, as well as at the stadiums of Matlock Town FC and Alfreton Town.
Sinnott's football career took him up and down the league ladder and he most recently played for Matlock Town FC, on loan from Alfreton Town.
Matlock said on Saturday that their away game against Mickleover Sports had been postponed due to "tragic and unforeseen circumstances".
In a tribute to the midfielder on Twitter, the non-league club wrote: "You weren't just a footballer, you were our friend and brother.
"You gave us incredible memories and scored your first career hat-trick in your final game for the club.
"Rest easy Jordan, we love, miss and will never forget you."
Parent club, Alfreton Town, also called off their Saturday fixture following the incident.
A statement from the club, following Sinnott's death, they are "saddened and heartbroken".
It added: "Jordan was a model footballer and an exceptional talent during his time at the Impact Arena and had a close affinity with both the manager, assistant and the players he took the field with.
"Rest easy Sinbad, we will never forget you."
Sinnott began his football career at Huddersfield Town, following in the footsteps of his father who made 87 appearances for the club between 1994 and 1997.
Rotherham midfielder, Matt Crooks, spent time with Sinnott at Huddersfield Town.
He made a heartfelt tribute on Twitter.
The 26-year-old said: "Uncle Sin, your smile and laughter was infectious. The best mate I could wish for. You'll be in our hearts for the rest of our days.
"Thank you for the last 11 years. Centre-mid, Maga, Benidorm, Ibiza, Vegas. We conquered them all.
"Heaven is yours now. I love you. Tree."
Sinnott had spells at a number of other clubs after leaving Huddersfield, including two stints at Altrincham, Bury, FC Halifax Town and Chesterfield FC.
A poignant FA Cup video package broadcast on the BBC in 2015 showcased the close, yet professional relationship, between son and father.
At that time, Jordan was at non-league Altrincham on a permanent deal - after being loaned there three seasons before.
They were managed by dad Lee.
Lee experienced his own FA Cup delight and dismay when losing out playing for Watford against Everton in the final of 1984.
But in November 2015, the two Sinnotts were hoping to cause a cup upset when hosting Barnsley in the first round.
And they did, winning 1-0.
The pre-match package showed son looking up to dad, with beaming smiles on both their faces.
The pair explained how they drove into training and matchdays together.
Jordan said: "I meet him at Huddersfield on the way, so I let him do all the donkey work.
"We have a good laugh, don't we, in the car, I suppose though."
Lee responded: "We have a good laugh now and again, when he's off his phone. You know what youngsters are like - is it Instagram or whatever they call it?
"I don't know what they call it, but he's always on it.
"He's treated like any other player. I referred to him, when he first came in in February, as number 26, just to set things off on an even keel and that's the way it has to be."
The midfielder was employed as a right-back for much of that season, but he explained advice from his dad helped him settle into the role.
He said: "I must have said something he didn't like in the car or something.
"But, I can play right-back, I played there towards the end of my time at Huddersfield.
"Playing full-back as well, he gives me a few pointers after the games, so I'm enjoying it."
Police are continuing to appeal for information in regards to the incident at 2am and a further incident that happened at 11:25pm on Friday, January 24.
Officers were called to reports of a disturbance involving up to eight men and women in the Dominie Cross pub car park, in Grove Street.
Anyone who witnessed either incident, or believes they may have captured them on dashcam or mobile phone footage, is asked to call Nottinghamshire Police on 101.
You should quote incident number: 78 of January, 25, 2020.
If you would like to pay tribute to Jordan Sinnott you can do so via our Book Of Condolence.
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