A FORMER York City youth star has died aged 36 after contracting a rare condition.

Michael Murr, 36, died from Amyloidosis, an illness which affects the organs.

The father-of-one played in the same York City youth team as Richard Cresswell, the ex-Leeds United, Preston North End and Minstermen striker, and Mr Cresswell paid tribute to his former team-mate.

The pair played against each other in under-11 and under-12 teams, and both went on to sign for York when they were 14.

Mr Cresswell, 36, now a commercial, academy and community development consultant for the Bootham Crescent Club, today paid tribute to his friend.

He said: "What's happened is an absolute tragedy.

"He has a young child and 36 is no age to lose your life.

"It happened so quickly. I only bumped into him nine months ago in Monks Cross, and to hear he had this terrible illness wasn't nice.

"I hadn't seen him for years and it was great to catch up, but I didn't know if he was well then."

As youngsters, the pair shared digs and a room together in the first two years of their youth contracts at York City FC.

Mr Murr was not kept on by the club, but went on to play for a number of local teams and spent many years at Pocklington Football Club.

Mr Cresswell added: "He was a quick, strong and powerful footballer.

"He had some great attributes and was a great guy.

"We spent a lot of time together in those days, but we drifted apart as I went on my career, and it's terrible news.

"When we were growing up together we had some great laughs and I have fond memories of us staying in digs together."

The former striker represented York City as Mr Murr's funeral on Wednesday at St Mary and St Joseph's RC church, Pocklington, and a has contributed to a piece which will feature in the match programme for City's game against Luton Town on Tuesday.

Mr Murr is survived by his parents Brian and Ann, brother Andrew, and his daughter Marissa.