NORTHWICH Victoria are mourning the loss of their long-standing club secretary, Dave Thomas.

Dave, who had also held the positions of general manager and commercial manager over a 42-year association with Vics, died in Leighton Hospital on Saturday night after a short illness.

Since the club he had served so diligently and passionately announced the sad news regarding their ‘dear friend and club legend’, tributes have flooded social media.

“At 9.35pm this evening it's with a heavy heart that our long serving secretary Dave Thomas sadly passed away as a result of his recent illness. Dave was surrounded by his loving family and vice chairman Ian Egerton and died peacefully,” said a club statement.

“On behalf of all at Northwich Victoria FC, we offer our sincere condolences to his daughter, Sarah, son Stephen, and all his grandchildren. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this time.

“We thank everyone who sent message of support for Dave during his illness, and also all the wonderful medical staff at Leighton, who looked after him during his illness.”

Northwich Guardian: Dave Thomas, left, enjoying a Northwich Victoria function alongside former Vics, Manchester United and Northern Ireland legend Norman Whiteside Dave Thomas, left, enjoying a Northwich Victoria function alongside former Vics, Manchester United and Northern Ireland legend Norman Whiteside (Image: Contributed)

Leading the tributes on Twitter was the club’s vice-chairman Ian Egerton.

He said: “Tonight I said goodbye to a true friend who I cared about deeply. Dave's friendship like for so many others was special and the memories we shared and created will live with me forever. RIP my friend.”

Club president Chris Nuttall Tweeted: “Devastating news. Dave touched the lives of so many, players and supporters alike. He was green through and through with a bit of ManU red. I'll miss our chats about the Vics and his great sense of humour. He served the club so well for so many years and we all owe him a debt RIP”

Jonny Allan, who played almost 200 games for the club Allan was top goal scorer as they won the Conference North in 2006, had this to say: “Really sad news. Dave played a big part in settling me into the club when I first started. Have great memories of great times spent with Dave, always fun to be around. A fantastic servant to NVFC. Condolences to his family and everyone at the football club. Rest easy mate.”

Alan Allcock, former operations manager of the Northern Premier League, said: “This is really sad news. He was a key administrator that kept Northwich Vics going at the most critical time in their history. Many would have given up but not Dave Thomas. Utmost respect. RIP Dave.”

As a mark of respect, Wednesday night’s home game against Longridge Town has been postponed and a special match programme honouring Dave and his work with the club is being produced ahead of Saturday’s home fixture with Vauxhall Motors at the U Lock It Stadium.