Ex-Chelsea coach and Crawley boss Dermot Drummy dies aged 56 as his former players including Nathaniel Chalobah and Ruben Loftus-Cheek pay tribute: 'You taught us to be men'

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Former Chelsea coach and Crawley manager Dermot Drummy has died at the age of 56.

Drummy worked as Chelsea's academy boss - winning the 2010 FA Youth Cup - and later as reserve-team manager before taking the role of international head coach in June 2014.

After leaving the Blues he took over at Sky Bet League Two club Crawley in April 2016, departing 13 months later.

Former Crawley Town manager Dermot Drummy has died at the age of 56

Ruben Loftus-Cheek was among the players playing tribute to the former Chelsea coach

Watford's Nathaniel Chalobah spoke of how Drummy 'changed lives' while working at Chelsea

Bournemouth defender Nathan Ake worked under Drummy during his time at Chelsea

Another Chelsea youth product, Billy Clifford, paid a heartfelt Twitter tribute to Drummy

On Monday night tweets from Crawley's official account read: '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.

'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.'

Swansea boss Paul Clement, who worked closely with Drummy at Chelsea, tweeted: 'Shocked to hear of the death of my former colleague from Chelsea FC, Dermot Drummy.

'Very sad. Rest In Peace.'

Clement was among a number of former Chelsea employees to tweet out their tributes to the former coach.

Drummy also had a long association with Chelsea - he won the FA Youth Cup in 2010

A number of his former players and colleagues have paid tribute to him on Monday evening

Ruben Loftus-Cheek, currently on loan at Crystal Palace, wrote: 'RIP coach, thanks for everything,' while Watford's Nathaniel Chalobah tweeted: 'You changed the life of so many young boys at Chelsea. Taught us how to become men in the game. You will be truly missed Derm.' 

Bournemouth's Nathan Ake said: 'Absolutely shocked to hear this news. Great person and a great coach. RIP Dermot.'

Patrick Bamford, another Chelsea youth graduate, wrote: '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.'

Reading midfielder John Swift said it was a 'pleasure to know' the former coach

Jamal Blackman, on loan from Chelsea at Sheffield United, sent his condolences after the news

Chelsea assistant to the head coach Carlo Cudicini led the tributes sent by staff at the club

Drummy was studying towards the LMA Diploma in Football Management, in association with the University of Liverpool, to build on his experiences.

On Tuesday the League Managers Association sent their thoughts and prayers to his family.

The director of his course, Professor Sue Bridgewater said: 'Dermot was a wonderfully down to earth and caring man, with extensive experience and knowledge, who made such a positive contribution to the course.

'I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing and my thoughts are with Dermot's family and friends at this sad time.' 

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte opened his press conference ahead of Wednesday's match against Swansea by paying tribute to Drummy.

'Today we had bad news. Our former youth coach Dermot Drummy died. I want to pass on my condolences to his family and his friends.

'We are sorry, because this person was very important for this club.' 

Drummy aided the development of a number of Premier League players while at Chelsea