Cumbrian football star Dean Henderson is mourning the death of his father Dougie.

The Premier League goalkeeper, from Whitehaven, has posted a moving tribute after the sad news.

Crystal Palace and England player Henderson said that his dad passed away on Saturday.

The 27-year-old said he could not have wished for a better father.

In an emotional post on Instagram, Henderson said: "Yesterday we had to say good bye to my best friend, my first coach, my role model.

"Someone who inspired me in the hardest times who pushed me to be who I am today. And loved me no matter what.

"You were the best dad I could ever have wish for and I will cherish all the amazing memories we had together.

"The last year has been so difficult but you are finally at rest now. We shared amazing memories together a journey from the bottom to the top and I’m so proud of this. I love you!

"You will forever be with us!! Sleep tight dad❤️💙"

Henderson, who was recently with the England squad at Euro 2024, has often spoken in the past about the influence of his parents, Dougie and Yvonne, on his life and career.

Mr Henderson coached at Whitehaven Miners, Dean's first junior clubMr Henderson coached at Whitehaven Miners, Dean's first junior club (Image: John Story)

In an interview with the News & Star back in 2019, the former Manchester United player said: "They’ve been rocks for me, driving me up and down the country. I couldn’t do anything without them."

In an official England interview recently, he also described how his parents had bred a love for football and goalkeeping at an early age: "I still remember trying to improve on crosses and getting my mum and dad to throw balls for me on the cul-de-sac at home and I think I was obsessed with it in a way," said Henderson, who grew up in Whitehaven's Hillcrest area and went to Jericho Primary School and St Benedict's secondary school in the west Cumbrian town.

Mr Henderson snr, a former police officer, also coached his son at Whitehaven Miners, the junior football club where the aspiring goalkeeper began. Henderson junior went on to join Carlisle United's academy before being snapped up by Man Utd at 14. He signed for Crystal Palace last year.