A DEDICATED Stourport Swifts stalwart and lifelong custodian who served the club for half a century has sadly passed away.

General Manager John McDonald died on Monday, October 17 at the age of 69, the club has confirmed.

He joined the club in 1965 as secretary and under his steady guidance, saw the club progress from the Worcester League, West Midlands League and Southern League to the Midland Football League Premier Division, which is Step 5 on the Football League pyramid.

As a reward for his 50 years with the Swifts, ‘Mac’ was honoured by the Football Association last year at a dinner hosted by the Worcestershire Football Association.

A spokesman for the club said: “Mac had been the most committed official and supporter of the club for the past 50 years, and leaves shoes that will be impossible to fill.

“Mac joined the Swifts as secretary in 1965, and the club you see today began to take shape.

“During his tenure, many managers came and went, but Mac remained the one constant figure throughout the past fifty years, with his tireless efforts, constant fund raising and always ensuring the secure future of the club.

“He was an unsung hero and a rock of the local football community for fifty years. Our thoughts are with his wife Sylv, their three children, Suzy, Andrew and Laura and families.”

The funeral will take place on Thursday, November 3, 3pm at Wyre Forest Crematorium and afterwards at Stourport Swifts FC.

All donations to the Anthony Nolan Trust c/o B Ince Funeral Directors or visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Parkers29