Sheffield Wednesday manager Jos Luhukay pays tribute to Hayley Kalinins who died following seven-year cancer battle

Mum-of-four Hayley, aged 37, died last Wednesday after a seven-year battle with cancer, leaving family and friends heartbroken.

Luhukay has offered his condolences to the Kalinins family and Andy, who is tasked with keeping the Owls' players fit.

Wednesday boss Luhukay told The Star: "Our thoughts are with Andy, his children and family.

"Andy has had a very difficult time in the last four to five months. Every day he has supported his family and wife.

"Now is the time where Andy must be with his children and we support him in that. We give him all the support he needs.

"There will, hopefully, be a time where Andy comes back to us. I know he will. He is a person with very good character.

"Now we give support and we hope he is strong enough to find a direction with his children through this very difficult time."

For our Owls news and opinion on twitter follow here

It was in 2011 that Hayley, from Derby, was diagnosed with breast cancer, which later spread to her liver and lungs.

After being told by medics that there were no more treatment options available for her in the UK after surgery and 70 gruelling rounds of chemotherapy, Hayley launched an online appeal two years ago for help to pay for specialist treatment abroad.

More than £235,000 was donated by well wishers on her Go Fund Me page, with Wednesday's first-team players among those to help fund the treatment in the hope of allowing Hayley more time with her family.

Wife of Sheffield Wednesday fitness coach loses battle with cancer

Hayley underwent immunotherapy treatment at a specialist clinic in Germany, which she praised for extending her life and her time with her children.

Since Hayley's death, thousands of messages of support for Andy and his children have been posted online.

Owls midfielder Barry Bannan posted on Twitter: "What an amazing woman and family. Thoughts are with all of you.'

For more news from Hillsborough click here

Ex-Wednesday boss Carlos Carvalhal also expressed his sadness over Hayley's death.

"Devastating news about the passing of Hayley Kalinins," he tweeted. "Big hug to Andy Kalinins and beautiful family."

Posting after the Owls' 2-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest last week, first-team coach Lee Bullen tweeted: 'It has been a really disappointing evening but the devastating news of Hayley Kalinins passing today is a whole new level.

"Andy, your beautiful wife was an inspiration. Love to you and your gorgeous children. Never forgotten."

Follow Dom Howson on twitter