West Ham have announced that Australian youth international striker Dylan Tombides has passed away at the age of 20 after losing his battle with cancer. Tombides, who represented his country at the U17 World cup in Mexico in 2010, was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2011. A West Ham club statement read: "Dylan has passed away on Friday morning with his family by his side having courageously fought the disease for three years after initially being diagnosed with testicular cancer in the summer of 2011."
The statement added: "Dylan was respected by everyone who knew him for his intelligent views on the game and his larger than life character. He was a loving son, amazing brother and well-respected member of the West Ham squad. He will be hugely missed by everyone who had the honour of knowing him."
The Hammers have confirmed there will be a minute's applause in Dylan's memory ahead of their match with Crystal Palace on Sunday and the players will also black armbands in his honour.
