Heartfelt tributes have poured in for a 27-year-old North-east man who tragically died on his birthday.
Michael Newberry’s older brother, Adrian Salem, shared an emotional statement, stating: “My world has shattered.” The former hopeful of Newcastle United’s academyr, who last played for Cliftonville, passed away suddenly in Newcastle on December 30 after competing in a Boxing Day match. Respected clubs including Newcastle United and Northern Irish sides Cliftonville and Linfield have extended their sympathies.
Michael emerged as a football talent early, transitioning from Red House Farm JFC based in Gosforth to NUFC’s academy, and was awarded the Wor Jackie Trophy in 2016, identifying him as one to watch. Despite never breaking into the first team at Newcastle, he found opportunities abroad in Iceland and Northern Ireland.
Adrian Salem, in his heartfelt tribute, remembered his brother fondly, saying: “I’m eight years older than Michael, so it always felt like he looked up to me and the example that I set growing up. We were always together even though we didn’t grow up living in the same house, and we have always been really close”, reports Chronicle Live.
He continued to describe their strong bond over sports: “Michael always had a football around him, and he loved Newcastle United, which had been bred into him from a very young age. I joined the army at 17, which Michael took inspiration from, and we used to train together at Gateshead Stadium, I’d help him with football and he’d help me with my boxing.
“He was always so great to me, as I got to meet Sean Longstaff, who Michael played with at youth level, as well as Kevin Keegan. He went from a boy to a man at Newcastle, and we were over the moon and bursting with pride when he represented Northern Ireland under-19s, I just couldn’t be a prouder big brother.”
(L-R) Michael Newberry with his brother Adrian Salem, when Michael was playing for Red House Farm JFC in Gosforth
(Image: Adrian Salem)
Speaking about his heartbreak at Michael’s passing, an emotional Adrian continued: “I’ve just bought a house in Cramlington, so I’ve been doing that up, so my phone had been off, and when I got the call, everything turned upside down. My world has shattered and it just hurts so much, I would do anything to see him again.
“It has been overwhelming to see just how loved Michael was, and the support on the GoFundMe page has shown how popular of a footballer and person he was. He left Linfield for their rivals Cliftonville, but everyone still loved him, and that’s why I want to make sure he gets a proper send off.”
The GoFundMe page has been set up for Michael’s grief-stricken family, to help them pay for the funeral costs, and more than £8,000 has already been donated. To send some money, visit the fundraising page for Michael Newberry here.
The page states: “Michael was known for always having a smile on his face, making people laugh and being there for others. Understandably, this has come as a huge shock to family and friends and not something anyone was prepared for, or ever imagined. Michael leaves behind a loving family, Father Michael, Mother Maureen, siblings Adrian, Kayla, Matthew and Kyle.”
The page ends: “What a great player. A great human being. The memory of a good boy lives on.”
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