Ex-Seasider Coughlin dies after crash

Former Blackpool team-mates of Coughlin will lay a wreath in his memory before the start of the match between the Seasiders and Exeter City on Saturday.

Reports about the accident say the 56-year-old, formerly a hard-working midfielder for several clubs, suffered an apparent ‘medical episode’ behind the wheel of his car while driving in the city.

Coughlin was given CPR at the scene, but died at Cumberland Infirmary some time later.

He had a long and varied career and signed for the Seasiders from Plymouth Argyle in December, 1997 for a fee of £75,000 when Sam Ellis was the manager.

Welshman Coughlin went on to make 100 appearances in the Tangerine shirt.

Coughlin had a spell on loan to Shrewsbury before a permanent move to Plymouth Argyle for £30,000.

He began his career at Manchester City and also played for Blackburn, Carlisle, Torquay and Exeter City.

For his various clubs Coughlin made in excess of 500 appearances in a career spanning 19 years.

A spokeswoman for Cumbria Police said after the accident: “We are appealing for witnesses to the collision to get in touch.

“We want to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the crash or the vehicle in the moments leading up to it.

“In particular, we are keen to trace a witness who initially stopped to help but had left prior to police arriving.”