Poorly lit warning signs and road cones without any lights played a part in a road accident in which a former Oxford United footballer died, an inquest heard.

Third division Blackpool FC player Martin Aldridge, 25 - who was halfway through a three-month loan spell at Nationwide Conference team Rushden & Diamonds in Northamptonshire - died in an accident involving six cars on the A45 in Wellingborough on January 29.

The striker, who started his career with at Northampton Town before moving on to Oxford and then Blackpool, was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, but died from head injuries.

Accident investigator Pc John Spencer said Mr Aldridge had talked to a friend on his mobile phone three-and-a-half minutes before the accident occurred.

There was no provision for lighting of warning signs or cones at the roadworks, he told the hearing at Kettering Magistrates' Court.

Coroner Anne Pember, who recorded a verdict of accidental death, said: Roadworks were in force at that time, resulting in the offside lane of the A45 dual carriageway being closed.

It would seem Mr Aldridge did not react with sufficient time to this closure, and other witnesses have commented on how they were taken by surprise at how the cones suddenly appeared.

Mr Aldridge drove through the cones, lost control of his vehicle and crossed the central reservation slip, where he collided with a BMW coming from the opposite direction.

A number of factors could have played a part in the accident including the absence of any lighting on the traffic cones, bad weather and the small amount of alcohol, which was below the legal limit, but which could have affected Mr Aldridge's judgment, she added.

**Three firms and one person are due to appear at Wellingborough Magistrates' Court on November 27 charged with obstructing the highway and failing to comply with the codes of procedure.