EFL hero pays tribute to friend, 48, who passed away following incident at a private charity event

Former Millwall and QPR star Marc Bircham has paid a heartbreaking tribute to a close friend who died earlier this month. 

Bircham, 47, became a cult hero over his 13-year career in the EFL, mainly for his exploits with the Lions and the Rs, while he also enjoyed a short stint at Yeovil.

Bircham, who won 17 caps for Canada, is now based in the US and has worked in coaching, punditry and technical roles across football since his retirement.

However, Jack Oliver Frogell, 48, best known to his friends and family as Olly, and a childhood friend of Bircham, recently passed away.

That came following an alleged assault which took place during a private charity event at Hemel Hempstead Football Club on Saturday, October 25, in the early hours of the morning. 

Frogell, who was from Hemel Hempstead, was taken to hospital before passing on November 4, and, according to reports, a male suspect was arrested by police the day after the incident took place. 

And, on Sunday afternoon, Bircham took to X to salute Frogell.

Sharing several photos of the pair together at different ages throughout their lives, Bircham heartbreakingly added: 'It's taken me a while to come to terms with and post about the tragic passing of my friend since we were 10 as... Oliver Frogell.

'Your bubbly, outgoing personality will be sorely missed by everyone, I will make sure your name and memories live on Mate. RIP.'

Frogell's wife Lisa previously shared a similarly touching tribute to the 48-year-old.

'Our beloved Olly loved by so many, he was truly the most wonderful Dad and loving husband but also the heart of our community,' she said. 'This has left us with a huge void in our lives that can never be filled.'

Detective Inspector Caeva Taylor, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, added: 'Our thoughts are with Olly's family at this very difficult time.

'We are urging any witnesses who have not yet spoken with police, to please come forward and help.

'We want to find out exactly what happened in the lead up to the assault. If you have any information, or witnessed what happened, please get in touch with us.

'If you attended the event, but did not see the assault, you may still be able to help. Please get in touch as you could have useful information.

'I would also like to add that we are aware of footage of the incident circulating and we would ask that people do not share this any further as to do so could jeopardise any future criminal proceedings.'