Josh Vickers: Who is the Derby County star and former Arsenal goalkeeper, 27, mourning the death of his beloved wife Laura after her death from cancer just three months after their wedding?

Derby County goalkeeper Josh Vickers confirmed the death of his wife Laura last weekend after a years-long battle with cancer.

The 27-year-old, who started his career at Arsenal, married Laura on June 1 in an intimate ceremony at Holmewood Hall in Cambridge.

A heartbreaking video emerged from Josh and Laura Vickers’ wedding, with the couple celebrating their big day with friends and family.

The club paid tribute to Vickers on Xwho shared a team photo after their win over Carlisle United at the weekend, captioning it: ‘For Josh’.

Mail Sport explains everything you need to know about Josh Vickers.

The Derby County goalkeeper revealed he lost his wife after a years-long battle with cancer

Who is Josh Vickers?

Born on December 1, 1995, Vickers started his career at Arsenal’s Academy in 2010.

He got his first taste of regular football when he was loaned out to Isthmian League side Canvey Island in 2013.

After 30 appearances in the league, Vickers returned to the Emirates and signed a professional contract with the club.

In November 2014, Vickers would sign for Concord Rangers on an initial one-month loan. However, it was subsequently extended until the end of the 2014–15 season.

The 27-year-old left Arsenal in the summer of 2015 on a permanent deal to join Swansea City. After struggling to break into the side in his first season, Vickers was loaned out to Barnet ahead of the 2016–17 season.

Vickers made his EFL debut on 6 August 2016 – a 1–1 draw against Cambridge United.

That season he would make 26 appearances for the League Two side.

He was subsequently released by Swansea in 2017 and would sign for Lincoln City, making over 70 appearances for the club.

Josh Vickers signed for current club Derby this summer and has made two appearances for the team so far

In 2020, Vickers signed for Rotherham United and would spend three years at the club before signing for his current club Derby this summer.

Vickers has made just two appearances for the club so far this season. His last appearance came in a 2-1 defeat to Bolton in September.

The goalkeeper’s absence from Saturday’s win over Carlisle United was attributed to ‘personal reasons’.

In a moving show of support, the team warmed up to the sports strips with the text ‘Josh 31’.

They then held up his strip after James Collins scored 18 minutes into the game against Carlisle.

Vickers’ teammates held up his shirt as a show of support when he was absent from Saturday’s game

What did Josh say about the death of his beloved wife?

In an emotional post last weekend, he shared the heartbreaking news that she had passed away, along with a photo from their wedding day.

“I’ve written and unwritten this so many times but I still can’t find the right words to say and I don’t know if I ever will.

“On Tuesday evening my wife lost her long battle with cancer….

In an emotional social media post, Josh uploaded a photo with Laura on their wedding day

‘Laura is the strongest, bravest and most loving person I have ever met. Despite everything she went through, she kept smiling and didn’t let anything get in the way of having a good time and making a lifetime of memories.

“We cried, laughed and danced through difficult times.

“I will cherish every moment we spent together, from the first time we met until the moment you passed away peacefully. I know you will look down on me and continue to inspire me every day.

“Thank you to everyone who has supported me and both families through this incredibly difficult time. Truly happy with the most wonderful family and friends! I will always love you.’