A FOOTBALLER has died after collapsing on the field, his club has announced.

Daniel Wilkinson, 26, was a player for Shaw Lane AFC in Barnsley. He had previously played for clubs including Harrogate Town, Scarborough Athletic and Goole Town.

In a statement posted on their Facebook page, Shaw Lane, who play in the Northern Premier League Division One South side, said Mr Wilkinson "passed away after collapsing on the pitch" during a game on Monday night.

The league's official website said the player "suffered a suspected heart attack" and was treated by medics for over 30 minutes before being taken to Calderdale Royal Hospital in Halifax.

Shaw Lane were facing Brighouse in a local cup match.

York Press:

Chairman Craig Wood added in the statement: "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time.

"The club would like to thank everyone for their heartfelt messages and thoughts that we have received throughout the night. There are no more words at this time."

Wilkinson started his career with Hull City before moving into the non-league set-up. 

The defender made 14 appearances for Scarborough after signing from Goole in January 2015.

The club said on twitter: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Daniel Wilkinson at this difficult time. RIP”

Harrogate Town plan to hold a minute’s silence ahead of Tuesday night’s game against Stalybridge Celtic.

They tweeted: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former loanee Daniel Wilkinson.”

Goole AFC also posted the following tribute on their Twitter feed: “Tragic news to wake up to this morning. RIP Dan.”

Mr Wilkinson’s death mirrors that of former York City player David Longhurst.

The striker was 25 when he collapsed on the pitch at Bootham Crescent in September 1990, and died later in hospital.

A stand was later named after him by the club.

There has been renewed focus on footballers' potential underlying health issues, since the case in March 2012 of Fabrice Muamba, who suffered a heart attack at Tottenham Hotspur's White Hart Lane while playing for Bolton Wanderers. He was given CPR by medics on the pitch and survived.