THE funeral of Sheffield Wednesday player Thomas Staniforth was taking place in York this afternoon, with the cause of his death still unknown.

Wednesday manager Peter Shreeves and members of his squad were expected to attend the service at 2pm at York Baptist Church in Priory Street.

Thomas, 20, collapsed and died on Sunday evening while out with friends in York City centre.

His father, Gordon, of Copmanthorpe, a former York City player, said it might be weeks or even months before the cause was known.

Updated: 10:48 Friday, August 24, 2001