Pelayo Novo’s death shook Elche and left a lasting mark
Before the team began training at the Díez Iborra field in the Juan Ángel Romero Sports City, a moment of silence and a period of mourning were observed. The club honored Pelayo Novo, a former Elche player, who died after being struck by a train in his hometown of Oviedo.
Relating to
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Pelayo Novo, the footballer whose bright moments are remembered with warmth
Pelayo Novo’s death left Elche in shock
Elche players gathered in a circle on the field and applauded in memory of the fallen player as the moment of silence concluded. The scene carried a heavy emotional weight for everyone present, especially for Fidel Chaves, who felt the impact personally as a former teammate from the 2012-13 season. That season, Pelayo helped lead Elche to promotion to the First Division and quickly became a leader on the squad. The current sports director of Elche, Sergio Mantecon, also shared the same dressing room with Novo during his time with the club in the Basque region of Asturias.
A minute of silence for Pelayo Novo accompanied the training session that followed, highlighting the club’s remembrance of a player who left a lasting impression on the Franjiverde family.
Elche then trained under the guidance of Pablo Machín as they prepared for the upcoming visit to Mallorca. It was noted that several players, including Alex Collado, John Chetauya, and Father Milla, would be unavailable due to injuries or potential sanctions. Pape Cheikh, Lisandro Magallán, and Enzo Roco were among those mentioned as part of the squad’s rotation and recovery plans.
Through official club channels, Elche remembered Pelayo Novo with messages of sorrow and respect. The club posted a shield on a dark background with the caption expressing the shared pain and admiration: Pelayo was seen as a warrior who gave his all for the shirt, and the club affirmed that he would always be remembered as a devoted teammate. The message underscored the unity and tribute from the Elche community.
Another post celebrated a goal from Novo during his memorable season of promotion to the Primera division, accompanied by a message of enduring affection: we will never forget you. The tribute featured green and white hearts to reflect the club colors and Novo’s impact on the team and its supporters.
Elche fans also publicly expressed their grief with messages that echoed through the club’s social channels, reinforcing a shared sense of loss while honoring Novo’s contributions on the field and his role within the Elche family.
Narratives from Novo’s time at Elche recount his journey from Real Oviedo to the club in the 2012-13 season. He became part of the squad that achieved promotion to the First Division as champions of the Segunda División. His career featured loans to Córdoba and Lugo, followed by a return to Elche during a period of instability for the club. Novo appeared in a total of 77 matches, scoring seven goals, and played a leadership role during a challenging era for the club. His departure came amid the club’s struggles and a shift away from the higher tier, closing a chapter that left a lasting memory among fans and teammates alike.
The tragedy of Pelayo Novo resonated beyond the stadium, drawing a line of remembrance from fans who recalled his contributions during Elche’s ascent. The community carried forward the memories of Novo, recognizing the dedication and heart he brought to every game and every moment with the club.