“We are deeply saddened at the passing of our former player Chris Bart-Williams. Bart-Williams’ untimely passing mirrors that of his manager at Hillsborough, Trevor Francis, who also died on this, one of the darkest days in our long history.”

Nottingham Forest said they were “deeply saddened”, adding: “Our thoughts go out to Chris’ family and friends at this truly difficult time.”

Bart-Williams, who won 16 England Under-21 caps and one England ‘B’ cap, had poured more than three decades of his life into football, both as a player and coach.