1874 NORTHWICH supporters have paid tribute to a man they saw first as a friend rather than the chairman of their club.
Paul Stockton passed away on Friday morning after a short illness.
In a statement, the club described a βhands-on chairman who was most happy when he could settle down to watch his teamβ.
Below is a flavour of what has been written since:
Our club lost a great man today. Played a huge part in making it the great club it is. Led by example and never heard a bad word said about him. Hope we do him proud. Thoughts with his family π
β Paul Bowyer (@PaulBowyer5in5) December 29, 2017
@1874Northwich Hero, Leader, friend π
β Vicki England (@VickiEngland74) December 29, 2017
A great man who I had the honour to call a friend. Always made my family feel extra welcome at 74 & always had a kind word or piece of advice for me, deserves every nice thing people say about him and more. A top, top football man who will be missed. Thoughts are with his family.
β Lee Duckworth (@Ducko1981) December 29, 2017
Lost a dear friend and the best chairman a football club could wish for. RIP mate. @1874Northwich #HeIs74 #winitforpaul
β Chris Borley (@ChrisBorley1) December 29, 2017
@1874Northwich devastated we have lost the best person we could of had at our club. RIP Paul you will be so very missed
β timothy baker (@tedbaker1874) December 29, 2017
RIP Paul, a great guy who truly made me feel welcome into the 1874 family and would do absolutely anything for the club.
β Sean Bennion (@BigBen1874) December 29, 2017
My condolences go out to all of Paul's family and friends at this time.
Such sad news. I only recently found out how ill Paul was. It was testament to him that he didnβt want the news shared as he didnβt want sympathy he will be a great loss to the club as a chairman and to the supporters as a friend. RIP Paul
β SimonB (@BartonSb) December 29, 2017
Will never forget the support Paul gave when taking over editing Ever Glorious and the Chairman's Notes he wrote in appreciation. A truly remarkable and selfless chairman, where we always knew the club was in safe hands. Rest in peace Paul, you'll be greatly missed.
β 1874 Programme (@1874programme) December 29, 2017
A legend, a leader, but above all a true gentleman.
β Andrew Dignum (@Diguardo_88) December 29, 2017
RIP, Paul, your legacy @1874Northwich will live on forever.
π pic.twitter.com/r6Nsw2q2tO
Very sad indeed to have been informed that my friend and Chairman of @1874Northwich, Paul Stockton, passed away this morning. I met him a few weeks ago so he could tie up loose ends- much is the measure of the man that despite illness he still wanted to meet and discuss football
β Paul Lawler (@paullawler) December 29, 2017
Very sad news hearing about the passing of Paul. Can't add much more than what has been said already, but he was a kind, generous and fair man who had time for anyone and everyone @1874Northwich.
β Mark Kelly (@MarkKelly90) December 29, 2017
We will never forget his leadership throughout the formation of our club #HeIs74
Gutted that @1874Northwich chairman Paul Stockton has passed away. He was a really nice man who welcomed me when I first started to watch. One of the best blokes. Thanks Paul. Rest in peace. Thoughts to his family
β Jack (@JackHazeldine) December 29, 2017
RIP, Mr Chairman.
β Jack Owen (@Jack_Owen7) December 29, 2017
Without you, 74β wouldnβt be where we are today. Thank you for giving us a football team to be proud of.#HeIs74
Such sad news Paul was Mr 74, always open to chat and help out.
β Stuart Wellstead (@Stuwells7) December 29, 2017
Best wishes to his friends and family. RIP Paul π
So sad to hear. A lovely chap who was infectiously enthusiastic about his Club and the game. He was engaging company whenever we met - RIP Paul.
β Ralph Burditt (@RalphieBe) December 29, 2017
@1874Northwich Awful to hear the news of Paulβs passing. A very welcoming person and a great ambassador for our club.
β Jack Hanratty (@j_hanratty_95) December 29, 2017
R.I.P Paul
Very sad news, so much respect and love for this genuine gentleman. RIP Paul
β Tony Rogers (@Tony_1874NFC) December 29, 2017
It was an honour and a pleasure to know Paul, and the club is an enduring testimony to his energy and commitment to the cause of 74. Thoughts with his family at this sad time.
β alan marshall (@am1874northwich) December 29, 2017
Such sad news, condolences to all. A true Gentleman. RIP Mr Chairman.π
β Adam Foy. (@AdsFoy) December 29, 2017
Desperately sad news. I know that I'm a better person for having known Paul.
β stewart taylor (@stewart32342049) December 29, 2017
So very sad to hear the news of our @1874Northwich chairman Paul Stockton's passing. My thoughts are with the family and their friends.
β ποΈββοΈβ½heg_wahβ½β³ (@heg_wah) December 29, 2017
Deepest condolences from all of our committee. We had the pleasure of meeting Paul, a friendly man with a calm, knowledgeable aura and we knew how hard he worked for @1874Northwich . May he forever enjoy watching 1874 from above.
β Winnington Park RFC (@Wprfc_Religion) December 29, 2017
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