The former Rams player and locally-based committee man was called in early to the Harry Williams Stadium on Saturday to prepare for the visit of Colne in EVO-STIK League North to find the newly-minted Geoff Lay Stand waiting for him.
Pictured being flanked by chairman Harry Williams, left, and fellow fellow stalwart Jack Wolfenden, right, Lay has been involved with the Rams for decades in a numerous roles and in recent seasons has played a key role in the development of a ground recently named by fans as the most popular in the division to visit.
A Rams spokesman said: "Recent illness has meant that Geoff has not been able to get down to see the team of late and he was unprepared for the call he received asking him to come down to the ground before kick-off. When he arrived, chairman Harry Williams, and fellow long-serving Jack Wolfenden who had a stand named after him quite some time ago, greeted him and took him on to the pitch where he was introduced to his named stand, much to his surprise.
"All at the club would like to thank Geoff for all his work over the decades at the club and wish him well in his battle against illness."
Image courtesy of Ramsbottom United
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