Stoke City: Charlie Adam set to miss Tottenham clash after sudden death of father

STOKE City midfielder Charlie Adam looks certain to miss Saturday's trip to Tottenham after being granted compassionate leave following the sudden death of his father.

Charlie Adam senior, himself a former professional footballer, was found dead at his Dundee home on Monday night. He was 50.

His two sons and daughter were said by friends to be shocked and heartbroken by their tragic loss.

Adam junior, originally pencilled in as an almost certain starter at White Hart Lane, travelled to Scotland to join the rest of his family.

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An investigation has been launched and a report is being prepared for the procurator fiscal, but police say there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.

Adam senior played more than 250 first-team games for the likes of St Johnstone, Dundee United and Partick Thistle between 1985 and 1994.

He later took a close interest in the footballing careers of Charlie and his 21-year-old brother Grant, a goalkeeper currently on loan at Airdrie from St Mirren.

Students of Scottish football say Adam senior, who was also a midfielder, passed down his touch and range of passing to Charlie.

And they believe his support of Rangers was a crucial factor in Charlie junior signing for them as a 15-year-old at a time when Celtic were also interested.

He was also critical of Blackpool chairman Owen Oyston when Charlie's move to Liverpool temporarily hit the buffers in 2011.

A Stoke City statement read: "The club can confirm that Charlie Adam's father has died in a tragic incident.

"All our thoughts are with Charlie and his family at this difficult time."

Others took to Twitter to record their condolences to Adam and his family.

The Oatcake Fanzine wrote: "We're sure all Stokies will join us in passing on our deepest condolences to Charlie Adam and his family following the death of his father."

Supporters of former club Liverpool, tweeted: "Sad news. RIP Charlie Adam's dad who has been found dead. Thoughts go out to you and your family. YNWA Charlie."

And one Scottish supporter wrote: "Remember your dad sitting at bottom of away stand at old St Mirren Park. He was so proud of you."