Shrewsbury Cricket Club 'devastated' by Tom Allin death, says captain
Shrewsbury Cricket Club captain and friend of Tom Allin has paid tribute to the cricketer who has died aged 28.
Police say Allin was found at the base of a bridge near his home in Bideford, Devon, on Monday. The circumstances of his death are being investigated but are not being treated as suspicious.
Rob Foster, first team captain at the club said he had known Allin for years and he had been a popular member of the team when he played for two years at Shrewsbury.
He said: "He played for us for a couple of years when he was first signed to Warwickshire and he was a very popular member of the club for the period when he played.
"He was very talented and that's why he signed with Warwickshire. It is such a sad shame.
"He was allocated to another club after us but we still kept in touch with him and a lot of the players still talked with him.
"He played recently at the club for Devon in a match against Shrewsbury so we saw him over the summer and it was just nice to catch up with him.
"Everyone is devastated really. It is a massive shock and very sad news to hear for everybody at the club."
Former Shrewsbury team-mates paid tribute to Allin on Twitter, with Edward Barnard posting: "More terrible news... Thoughts are with Tommy Allin's family, we were very lucky to have him #salop #onthefields #rip!"
Dan Manders meanwhile posted: "Another stark reminder of just how short life is. Top lad who always made me smile and who was brilliant for @shrewsburycc #ripmuscles"
