:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/57764115/490461723.jpg.0.jpg)
Everyone at WAGNH is shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Dermot Drummy, whose Chelsea youth and reserves teams brought us great joy, hope, and merriment for over half a decade, from 2009 to 2014.
The tragic news was confirmed on Twitter by his son, Joe.
Ok so this is the toughest day. Unfortunately my Dad passed away this morning,I bloody loved that guy and couldn’t have been more proud of his achievements in all aspects of life. Best Dad I could have asked for.Too me a fucking legend and awesome role model #ripdad #ripdermot
— Joe Drummy (@joseph14141) November 27, 2017
Dermot Drummy was just 56 years old. Gone far too soon.
“There are no words to convey the sense of shock and loss we all feel at this news. Dermot was a good friend to many of us here at the Academy, including myself. His love and passion for football were infectious, and we will all miss him greatly.”
-Neil Bath; source: Chelsea FC
During his time at Chelsea, Drummy played a key role in establishing Chelsea as one of the very best Academies in the country, if not Europe, winning the club’s first FA Youth Cup title for 49 years in 2010 and starting the period of dominance that the U18s have enjoyed on the pitch with five additional FA Youth Cup trophies to our name since. Drummy also led the Chelsea U19s to the final of the NextGen Series (the precursor to the UEFA Youth League) and won an U21 Premier League title in 2014 before moving to a non-coaching role at the club. More recently, Drummy had been head coach at League Two Crawley Town, leaving his post back in May.
Above all, he was a great person, as the tributes that continue to pour in attest to.
We are all deeply saddened to learn of Dermot Drummy's passing yesterday. Rest in peace, Dermot.https://t.co/JZddLZ4PJ8
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) November 28, 2017
Everyone at the club is devastated by the news that our former manager Dermot Drummy passed away earlier today. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. We will be issuing a full statement tomorrow after speaking to Dermot’s family. 1/2
— Crawley Town FC (@crawleytown) November 27, 2017
2/2 Dermot was a real people person. He had time for everyone at the club and he loved to make us laugh! He brought many of the current squad to Crawley and they are as stunned as we all are at this terrible news. #RIPDermot.
— Crawley Town FC (@crawleytown) November 27, 2017
A lovely man who worked his way up from a non-league playing career to the pinnacle of youth development in England at Arsenal and then Chelsea. Have a read of this 2012 interview with Dermot Drummy, who has left us far too soon.https://t.co/8MYor1zfaL
— Chelsea Youth (@chelseayouth) November 27, 2017
Horrible news this. Remember interviewing Dermot many times when I worked on Chelsea magazine, doing features on coaching younger players. Was always welcoming and friendly to a young writer who knew nothing... #CFChttps://t.co/8CkFaaktE5
— Garry Hayes (@garryhayes) November 27, 2017
I was devastated to hear about Dermot Drummy today. I meet many people in football, but Dermot became a great friend and was loved throughout the game as well as being a brilliant coach. RIP.
— John Cross (@johncrossmirror) November 27, 2017
Shocked to the core to learn Dermot Drummy passed away this morning. His kindness, empathy & professionalism shone through in NHIP. #RIP
— Michael Calvin (@CalvinBook) November 27, 2017
Shocked to hear of the death of my former colleague from Chelsea FC, Dermot Drummy. Very sad. Rest In Peace.
— Paul Clement (@PaulClement1972) November 27, 2017
RIP coach, thanks for everything pic.twitter.com/I69w8MiRcR
— Ruben Loftus-Cheek (@rubey_lcheek) November 28, 2017
My family and I are devastated by the loss of Dermot. He was a huge influence on me, on and off the pitch, tough, kind, funny and fair, he always pushed me to be my best. I will never forget what he did for me. Deepest condolences to the family. pic.twitter.com/uNWtGTCUxe
— Lewis Baker (@lew_baker) November 28, 2017
Can't believe it, coached me at chelsea and Crawley, great guy and unbelievable coach. Has gone way too soon, thoughts go to his family pic.twitter.com/ae2TqwMQjk
— Alex Davey (@davey_alex) November 27, 2017
Can’t believe it, gutted. He was a man who always brought life and soul to the building, not to mention a fantastic coach. Thoughts go out to his family and loved ones. RIP pic.twitter.com/5Rj05eBusy
— Patrick Bamford (@Patrick_Bamford) November 27, 2017
Dermot drummy one of the best coaches I've ever had what guy God bless him and his family
— Frank.Nouble (@FrankNouble) November 27, 2017
RIP dermot drummy, great coach and an even better person. Was a pleasure to know you, thoughts go out to his family and friends pic.twitter.com/2S2uphcLSQ
— John Swift (@JohnSwift8) November 27, 2017
Devastated
— Billy Clifford (@Bclifford47) November 27, 2017
Not only an amazing coach but an amazing man, thank you for everything! Rest in peace pic.twitter.com/IqknWXsZRY
— Isaiah Brown (@izzyjaybrown) November 27, 2017
Can't believe Dermot has passed away , such a great support to me on and off the pitch, was such a great person absolutely devastated by the news. RIP Dermot
— conor clifford (@conorclifford91) November 28, 2017
— Nathaniel Chalobah (@chalobah) November 28, 2017
Absolutely devastated to hear about the passing of my youth team manager Dermot Drummy, helped me so much as a kid, will forever be grateful, my sincere condolences go out to his family and friends #RIPDermot
— Cédric Evina (@ceddyevina) November 27, 2017
Absolutely shocked to hear this news. Great person and a great coach. RIP Dermot pic.twitter.com/gFgSZZnlrr
— Nathan Aké (@NathanAke) November 27, 2017
Real sad news regarding Dermot Drummy passing away at such a young age, top guy always had time for people. #RiP @ChelseaFC developer of youth ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/HFJIKJPxE5
— Frank Sinclair (@FrankMSinclair) November 27, 2017
Here’s an absolute great interview he did just a few months ago, talking in great detail about youth coaching and Arsenal and Chelsea.
RIP, Dermot Drummy.