He added, “Let your children know that I’ll hover over them, I’ll always be there for you [sic]”

Cardiff players Joe Lewis, Joe Bennett and “Myself, my family and friends are trying to contact Kev McNaughton.”

Hudson said, just over an hour later: “Just heard that Kev was found safe and sound by the police. I will keep you informed, but please be respectful of his family and friends. We are grateful to everyone.
 

His career began at Aberdeen in Scotland, where he played more than 200 games in all competitions. He also won the Scottish Youth Cup.
 

Before retiring in 2018, the four-cap Scotland international played for Bolton Wanderers and Wigan Athletic.

Since then, he has moved to coaching and became a youth coach at Dundee’s boyhood club in April 2020.

Throughout the morning, McNaughton received support messages from many former teammates.

Lee Tomlin, a former Premier League midfielder, wrote: “Message me Kev. We are all here for your,”

Michael Chopra, an ex-Newcastle and Sunderland striker, tweeted, “Kev. I’m here for you if you need to talk mate.”
 

McNaughton’s old clubs also supported McNaughton on social media.
 

Cardiff tweeted later: “Thanks Bluebirds, for showing your love to Kev this morning. It is important to communicate, especially in these difficult and unprecedented times.

Aberdeen also reached out McNaughton via Twitter: “Super Kev. Everyone at AFC sends love and support for Kev McNaughton.”

Fans showed their support. One Cardiff supporter wrote an emotional message, “Thinking about you Kev.”

“A true hero to many, and I will always be grateful for the most memorable day of my life. Keep your faith. It doesn’t matter how dark things seem, it will all pass.