BURNHAM United Football Club is morning the loss of its former chairman John Smith, who suffered a fatal heart attack on Thursday.

Mr Smith, aged 55, was the club's bar manager for several years before progressing to become vice-chairman, and eventually chairman last season.

Current chairman Spencer Dibble said on behalf of the club: “John will always be remembered as a tireless worker for the club, who spent many countless hours working on the club's behalf ensuring that the bar was run efficiently, the club's records were kept up to date and being there to generally help the club in whatever needed doing.

“Sadly, due to his health not being in entirely good shape, he decided to stand down from the club's management committee and his other club commitments this season, as nothing less than 100% from John himself was acceptable.

“It has been my sad duty to have to inform the various footballing authorities of John's passing and all have said what a gentleman he was to deal with.

“He was held in very high esteem by them all, as indeed he was at Burnham United Football Club.

“For me personally and the club, it is a very sad end to the best period of success that the club has ever experienced and John's contribution was significant to that success.

“All at the club offer our heartfelt condolences to Pauline, John's wife, who is also the club secretary, and to all of his family.

“God bless you John.”

A minute's silence was held before Burnham's home game with Clevedon United on Monday.

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