Ashby Avenue mourns club stalwart

Lincoln United are mourning the passing of their former Secretary Tom Hill who was also a leading referee.

A minute's silence was held at Ashby Avenue on Saturday before their Evo-Stik NPL First Division South fixture with Kings Lynn Town after the club stalwart passed away aged 70 last Monday.

Mr Hill, pictured, leaves behind his wife Margaret, daughter Emma, stepson Tim and four grandchildren - Jessica, Isobel, Max and Lucy.

The Whites man joined the club in 2000 having been a regular visitor for sometime in his role as an FA Referee's Assessor. He had been a referee at the highest level, both in the old First Division as well as officiating in European football.

Club spokesman John Wilkinson paid tribute to him. "He was a first class secretary and the club was superbly run during his tenure," said Wilkinson. "Tom was a great teller of 'stories', all picked up from a life in football and the club's thoughts are with his family at this very sad time.

Mr Hill, who was self-employed, also spent some time in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League with Alfreton Town.

His funeral takes place at Lincoln Crematorium on Friday 21 September at 11.50am. Family flowers only please.