Football mourns president's passing

Football is mourning the passing of Frank Hannah, MBE and president of the Manchester County FA.

Mr Hannah, pictured, recently celebrated his 90th birthday and passed away in hospital during the early hours of Thursday morning following a short illness.

An active member of both the MCFA and the national FA up until the last few weeks of his life, he was awarded an MBE for his 49 years of service to the game and is survived by his wife and two daughters.

In a statement on the county FA's website, MCFA chief executive officer Colin Bridgford paid tribute to a "great man and a gentleman who will be fondly remembered by all of us here."

He said: "Frank will be sadly missed by all of us here at Manchester County FA. He was a dedicated man to football in Manchester and nationally - a true gentleman who was respected by so many people involved in the game.

"Frank was not only a valued member of our organisation, but a friend to all who always made time to have a chat with staff when he made his way into the office. His contribution to grassroots football will act as a legacy to all of us in Manchester. Our thoughts are with his wife Doris and all of his family at this time."

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