Two football clubs have paid tribute to a coach and serving policeman who died in a devastating crash on the A66.
PC Matthew Blades, 37, and fellow officer PC Tom Clough, 38, were among seven people who died in the early hours of Saturday (August 22) in South Bank.
(L-R) PC Tom Clough and PC Matthew Blades.
(Image: FAMILY)
The pair were travelling in a marked police vehicle when it was hit by a Volkswagen Passat travelling the wrong way along the A66. PC Blades and PC Clough were not involved in the original pursuit, but had been called to the area to assist with the search for the vehicle.
The five occupants of the Passat, Cole Robert Worthy, 17, Theo Rae, 17, Makai Saddington, 18, and 23-year-olds Michael Robert Cahill and Jacob Matusiak, were also pronounced dead at the scene.
From left to right: Makai Saddington, 18, Theo Rae, 17, Cole Robert Worthy, 17, Jakub Matusiak, 23, Michael Robert Cahill, 23.
(Image: SOCIAL MEDIA)
Hartlepool and Seaton Carew football clubs have both paid tribute to PC Blades, who was a coach when off duty.
A spokesman for FC Hartlepool said: "As coach of our under-ten reds, a team that was made even more special by having his eldest son playing alongside the boys, Matty was so much more than a coach.
"He was a role model, a mentor, a friend, and someone the children looked up to and admired.
Floral tributes at the scene of the crash
(Image: Stuart Boulton)
"Matty gave his time, energy, and heart to the team.
"He encouraged the boys, believed in them, supported them, and helped them grow - not only as footballers but as young people.
"His kindness, patience, and infectious personality made him loved by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
"The under-ten reds have lost a coach, but our club has lost a truly special person and a valued member of the FC Hartlepool family.
"Our deepest thoughts and condolences are with Matty’s family, friends, and everyone who knew and loved him - especially his wife and two boys whom he adored.
A66 crash
(Image: NORTH NEWS LTD)
"We stand beside them during this incredibly difficult time.
"Matty, thank you for everything you gave to our club and to our boys.
"Your place within the FC Hartlepool family will always remain, and your memory will live on in the team, in the children you inspired, and in everyone whose life you touched."
A fundraiser for the officers, created by the Cleveland Police Federation on Sunday, has already reached £228,000.
Organisers said funds raised would be split equally between the two officers’ families and the federation would continue to provide support.
Seaton Carew FC also paid tribute, sharing how PC Blades had only recently joined the club as a coach.
A club spokesman said: "Matty had only recently joined our club as a coach and was preparing for his first season with our brand-new under-seven seahawks team."
PC Matthew Blades
(Image: CLEVELAND POLICE)
"He was looking forward to being part of the team and, most importantly, to coaching his own son, who is going to be playing for the seahawks this season.
"Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Matty’s wife, his two boys, and all of his family and friends at this incredibly difficult and heart-breaking time."
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The club said its flags are flying at half mast in his memory.
Cleveland Police launched the chase after receiving intelligence relating to “numerous incidents” linked to a Passat, which activated an ANPR camera and is believed to have been using cloned plates, investigating watchdog the Independent Office for Police Conduct said.