FORMER Kenna League player Cheick Tiote has died aged 30 after collapsing in training in China.
Tiote appeared for three Kenna clubs during his spell in England, but his tough-tackling defensive style saw him quickly moved on by managers.
The Ivory Coast midfielder’s first season in the Kenna with The Dan Terry Seduction was the only one he saw out with a club, albeit getting relegated.
The DTS manager snapped up Tiote for £0.5m at the October transfer window. He scored just 25 points in 29 weeks.
Later that summer Tiote was signed, again for £0.5m, by Judean Peoples’ Front.
Tiote only lasted two months before being released alongside Scott Parker in a midfield clear out by the JPF manager, in favour of Jean Beausejour and Abu Diaby.
JPF went on to finish the season in third place, the manager’s best league performance.
Tiote wouldn’t feature again in the Kenna for two years.
When the Young Boys manager signed him for £0.5m in October 2014 it unfortunately coincided with two months of miserable form for the club.
The midfielder was released in February as part of a five-player clear out.
“We’re very sorry to learn of the death of Cheick Tiote,” said the chairman outside Kenna HQ this week.
“He didn’t enjoy the most auspicious Kenna career, but he was a good panic buy for managers struggling late on in an auction or transfer night, and he did make an excellent fall guy when things weren’t going well.
“Our thoughts are with the family.”
