A STALWART of Bewdley Town Football Club has died, aged 80.

Mike Thompson, of White Heart Close, Bewdley, was involved in the running of the club since the 1970s.

He died on Friday, January 27 from a brain tumour.

The father of four was born in East Farleigh, Kent and grew up in Bexleyheath in London. He worked in the steel industry and moved to Bewdley in 1976.

His son, Mark, said: “He got involved with the football club as soon as we moved to Bewdley.

“He was in the background helping to run it, mainly helping with fund-raising. He was the groundsman and occasionally stepped into the manager’s job.

“He even played for them a few times at the age of 62. He just stepped in when he was needed.

“He did everything positive for the club and helped it become what it is today.”

Joint-manager of Bewdley Town FC, Craig Payton, said: “There is nothing he hasn’t done over the years for the club and without him we would not be where we are today.

“It is a cruel blow to everyone at the club and he will be very missed. Our condolences go to Mike’s family.”

Mr Thompson had played for Bewdley Cricket Club since 1976, helping look after the ground at Lower Park.

He was also a founder member of the cricket club’s table tennis team and played for them until last September, when he became ill.

When Mr Thompson retired aged 67, he took up golf and became a member at Wharton Park Golf Club in Bewdley where he played four times a week.

Mr Thompson leaves behind sons Mark, Glen and Derry, and daughter Jenny.

Mark added: “He was the best father we could have, the perfect gentleman and a perfect friend and he will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him.”

His funeral will be held today at the Wyre Forest Cemetery and Crematorium at 2pm.