Derby players have been deeply affected by the passing of Josh Vickers’ wife and are playing in his honor, according to Rams head coach Paul Warne.

Laura, who recently married the goalkeeper, passed away last week after battling cancer.

Vickers paid tribute to Laura over the weekend, and his teammates showed their support by holding up his shirt during Saturday’s victory at Carlisle.

“All we can do is let him know we’re here for him and love him,” Warne said.

“It’s heartbreaking, and no one wants to see a friend in pain—the team is devastated.

“Winning back-to-back games and keeping clean sheets feels insignificant right now. Football is just a game, but I feel the team played for Josh.

“I know former teammates from other clubs have visited him and supported him through this.”

Warne shared that Vickers was at Pride Park, preparing for the Papa Johns Trophy match against Lincoln City when he received news of his wife’s condition and was able to return home to say goodbye.

“We got a call because the players don’t have their phones before kick-off,” Warne told BBC Radio Derby. “The club arranged a taxi, and thankfully, he made it in time.”

Warne mentioned that Vickers visited him on Thursday morning but emphasized there is “no pressure” for the goalkeeper to return to action.

“It’s going to be incredibly tough for him,” Warne said.

“His heart has been shattered.

“There’s no pressure from us. We just want him to grieve in his own way and time, and we’re here to support him.

“We’re not professional therapists—we’re just his friends, and that’s what we’ll continue to be.”