Tributes paid to popular Stourport Swifts chairman Chris Reynolds, who has died of cancer

Mr Reynolds had been a prominent figure at the club for over 45 years, joining as a player in the 1970s before taking on roles as reserve team manager and a committee member.

He began his reign as chairman in 1992, with Swifts winning the Midland Football Alliance title in 2001 and promotion to the Southern League, culminating in their highest-ever finish.

Rod Brown, who was manager at the time, said: "I’m very upset.

"He had been fighting cancer for quite a long time but he was a fighter all the way. It is a very sad situation for the family.

"I was fortunate to be a close friend of Chris’s and not just as a chairman. He was a good friend to me and somebody that I used to speak to on a regular basis.

"The one thing about Chris was that he was a football man and he had an absolute passion for the club – he was, in my opinion, Mr Stourport.

"He would do anything for that football club. He was a real grafter and worked very, very hard. It is a big blow.

"He had a massive amount of good in him and he was a loyal guy who always believed in supporting the manager.

"I went there in my second managerial position after Halesowen with Gary Whild.

"They were struggling at the time and I was fortunate to get the job.

"He gave us our chance and supported us through a fantastic period with two promotions.

"He was always very keen to get a lot of young players from the area.

"He had a desire to take the club forward.

"His passion was unbelievable. He was a very passionate person and that came across in his football too.

"He loved his old cars and his family. He was a man’s man. He loved the crack, having a beer and loved talking about the football.

"As a friend he was very good and very loyal. I cannot say enough about him."

Swifts General Manager John McDonald also mourned the loss of his colleague and friend.

He said: "He was a very popular figure.

"He was such a genuine and humble man. As a friend you cannot get any better.

"He loved his football too. He would travel home and away to every Swifts game.

"He joined the club in the 1970s as a player and then he ended up playing for the reserves, where he ended up as player-manager – he loved it so much he stayed on."

Hereford centre-back and former Swifts captain Jamie Willets also spoke of his sadness.

Writing on Twitter, he said: "Top, top bloke. Dedicated so much of his time to the club and also did a lot for me too. Will be terribly missed."

Mr Reynolds, who passed away peacefully in his sleep, leaves behind wife Joan, sons Simon, Paul and David, as well as three grandchildren.