Former professional footballer Martin Garratt found dead aged 34

The athlete was passed away at his home in Middlesbrough on 24 October

(PA)

An inquest into the death of Martin Garratt, a former professional footballer who reportedly struggled with alcohol addiction after retiring from the game prematurely, is set to be heard.

The athlete, who was just 34, was found dead at his home in Middlesbrough on 24 October.

Police were called to the address on Lovaine Street just before 5.30pm on the Friday evening after ambulance staff reported a 34-year-old man who had been taken “seriously ill”.

“Minutes later, while officers were on their way to the address, we received a further call from the ambulance service reporting that sadly the man had died,” a Cleveland Police spokesperson told the Teeside Gazette.

“Following an investigation, officers deemed the man’s death was not suspicious and a file is being prepared for the Coroner.”

Garratt first joined York City as part of the youth team in 1995, before turning professional in 1998.

He trained with Leeds United after the end of the season in 1999, but signed with Mansfield Town in 2000 after being sacked from York City due to personal problems.

He went on to enjoy careers at Lincoln City, Hednesford Town, North Ferriby United and Irish team St Patrick’s Athletic.

However, towards the end of his young career and after he returned to Middlesbrough, he reportedly started to experience issues with alcoholism.

He was banned from various venues in York after being given an Antisocial Behaviour Order in 2010.

Sophie McGill, who worked Garratt as the public relations officer of his former club York City in 1999, said:

“He was a very talented footballer with a lot of potential and promise.

“We are very saddened to hear this has happened, and to somebody so young.”