Mourners asked to wear blue and white at funeral of teenage Sheffield Wednesday fan

His young father, Ryan, died at the age of 15 of sudden adult death syndrome in 2002, before Thomas was born.

Sheffield Wednesday fans are set to take part in a one minute round of applause in the 13th minute of his beloved Wednesday's friendly against Benfica tonight - a game Thomas had been due to attend.

Instead his heartbroken family is finalising his funeral arrangements.

Thomas, who was a pupil at Wickersley School, was a Sheffield Wednesday season ticket holder, who sat in the South Stand with his granddad.

His family wants mourners to attend his funeral next week in his team's colours.

Friends who played alongside him for Wickersley Youth's u14s team have been asked to wear their playing kits.

Wickersley Youth chairman, Len Curtis, said: "Firstly, can I say thanks to everybody for all their kind words and support after the tragic death of Tom Bothamley, our u14 player.

"The tributes to Tom on Facebook and social media have been overwhelming and the football family has really come together.

"I have been liaising with the family and their wish is that everyone who attends the funeral wear blue and white. If any of our players across any age group want to attend, can they please wear their Wickersley kits, and managers feel free to wear club tracksuits"

The funeral will take place at St Alban's church, Wickersley, on Thursday July 28 at noon, followed by a service at Rotherham Crematorium, Herringthorpe.

There will be a reception at Bramley Working Men’s club afterwards.

There are expected to be a number of local road closures due to the numbers expected to attend the funeral.

Thomas, like his father, who was a Sheffield Wednesday academy player before he died, was a talented footballer.

He had trials with Wednesday and Manchester United when he was seven, trained with Rotherham United last year and dreamed of becoming a professional.

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