Three men have appeared in court to deny murdering footballer Cody Fisher who was stabbed to death in a Birmingham nightclub on Boxing Day.

The 23-year-old player was fatally stabbed on the dancefloor of The Crane, in Digbeth, while enjoying a night out with friends.

Emergency services rushed to the busy nightclub at 11.45pm but Cody was sadly pronounced dead 30 minutes later despite desperate efforts to save his life.

Today (March 17) Remmy Gordon, 22, Kami Carpenter, 21 and Reegan Anderson, 18, appeared at Birmingham Crown Court charged with murder and affray.

The trio, who appeared by a video-link from custody, spoke only to confirm their names and to enter not guilty pleas during the 25 minutes hearing.

His Honour Judge Melbourne Inman KC extended the custody time of all three defendants ahead of the trial date which was set for July 3.

He said: "So that everybody understands and importantly the defendants, today's hearing is a view to ensuring that the case is properly managed so that the trial takes place within the custody time limit and as soon as possible.

"The trial is listed for Monday 3 July before this court."

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The Crane nightclub has since lost its license (image via SWNS)

Cody, a non-league player and sports coach played for Bromsgrove Sporting, Stratford Town, Stourbridge and had been in the Birmingham City FC Academy.

Police said Cody was stabbed on the dancefloor of the nightclub on boxing day after a fight broke out.

The Crane was closed permanently in January after having its licence revoked by Birmingham City Council

Cody's heartbroken girlfriend Jess Chatwin previously wrote online: "My poor baby. I'm so sorry this has happened to you.

"My whole world, the love of my life, my best friend has been taken away from me. I don't know how I'm going to do life without you Code.

"There is so much we will never get the chance to do now. This doesn't feel real. I love you forever Cody Fisher."

West Midlands Police arrested a 19-year-old on February 7 on suspicion of affray at an address in Kenilworth, in connection with the incident.

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The force later released the man under investigation.