THE North-East football world joined ranks last night in grief at the tragic cot death of the son of Sunderland AFC player Jody Craddock.

Messages of sympathy were sent by fans and rival clubs alike after the news was announced by the Wearside club.

A brief club statement said four-month-old Jake died early yesterday. It is understood it was in the presence of his mother Shelley and Mr Craddock.

Last night's reserve game at Birmingham was called off and the club cancelled training as a mark of respect to Mr Craddock and his family.

A spokeswoman said: "Everyone at the club is shocked and saddened by Jody and Shelley's devastating loss. The thoughts and prayers of all players and staff are with the family."

Signed from Cambridge for £350,000 on the day the Stadium of Light opened, in July 1997, the Worcestershire-born centre-back immediately proved popular with Sunderland fans.

He was voted best young player in his first season, and the 27-year-old defender was one of the few squad members to emerge with credit after last season's near miss from relegation, sweeping the board in Player of the Year polls.

Supporters were surprised when manager Peter Reid left him out of the starting 11 for the opening Premiership game, at Blackburn Rovers, last Saturday.

Martyn McFadden, editor of award-winning Sunderland fanzine A Love Supreme, said: "He's my favourite player and I can only say I'm devastated for Jody. All the fans will be totally gutted. I'm a father myself and it's every parent's worst nightmare."

Eddie Calland, of the Chester-le-Street branch of the Sunderland AFC Supporters' Association, said: "Fans have differences of opinion over goings-on at the club, but everyone is united in sadness at this news. Our hearts go out to Jody and Shelley."

It is the second such tragedy to strike the region's top clubs this year, after the death of Middlesbrough defender Colin Cooper's two-year-old son, Finlay, who choked on a small toy in January.

On hearing of yesterday's tragedy, club spokesman Dave Allen said: "The thoughts of everyone at Middlesbrough FC are with Jody Craddock and his family, at what must be a truly terrible time for them."

A Newcastle United spokeswoman: "It's so tragic. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. I hope they can draw some strength from it."