Rest in peace, hero of China and Grimsby

We’ve got sad news from China. Zhang Enhua, former defender and captain of their national team, has passed away shortly after his 48th birthday. The man who had an eye-raising loan stint at Grimsby Town in 2000 is considered a cult hero in that English town to this day.

Zhang Enhua has died of heart problems after his birthday celebrations on Friday. He fell ill after enjoying his birthday two days earlier with his friends.

A central defender, Zhang was part of the China squad at the 2002 World Cup -- the only time the country has competed on football's biggest stage.

Domestically, Zhang had been part of an all-conquering Dalian Shide team who dominated the Chinese top flight in the mid to late 1990s, also playing alongside fellow academy products Sun Jihai and Yang Mingin and won seven national league titles. He spent the biggest part of his career in Dalian, but it was a surprising move to England in 2000 that made him an unlikely star outside his homeland.

Zhang with the China national team coach Bora Milutinovic in 2002 (©AFP)

Grimsby, a small fishing town on the coast of the North Sea was an unexpected destination for a Chinese footballer at the turn of the century. Zhang was made a loan signing for then-Championship side Grimsby Town as they battled against relegation in the 2000/01 season. He soon became a fan favourite, making 17 appearances and scoring three goals for Grimsby as they dramatically secured survival.

Grimsby attempted to sign Zhang on a permanent deal but an agreement was always unlikely as the defender was on a reported £10,000 a week during his spell – twice as much as any other player at the club. His performances saw him linked with a move to Crystal Palace, where fellow China internationals Fan Zhiyi and Sun Jihai played but another contract in England never came.

Grimsby Town hero then returned home to prepare for the 2002 World Cup, but he did keep a souvenir of sorts – his son was born in Grimsby and was given the English name Gary.

Zhang also played for Chinese side Tianjin Teda before finishing his playing career with Hong Kong side South China in 2006. He moved into coaching and his most recent job was with Chinese Super League side Shenzhen.

Messages of condolence and tributes have been pouring for Zhang Enhua from around China and, of course, Grimsby.