Greenbacks tribute to true stalwart

Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Bedworth United are planning a minute's applause on Saturday before kicking off against Newcastle Town in tribute to club stalwart Alan Robinson who died this week after a short illness.

United confirmed on Friday that their players would be wearing black armbands in the First Division South fixture as the club and fans pay their respects to the former journalist, pictured, who passed away in hospital on Monday aged 71.

He'd been involved with his hometown football club for more than 50 years as a Director and Chairman. By this season he he'd taken the double role of Company Secretary and programme editor and was still compiling match reports and updating the club's website two weeks ago.

Bedworth Secretary Andrew Stickley said: "Alan will be sadly missed by all at Bedworth United and our sincere heartfelt condolences go out to his wife Sylvia and family. The players will wear black arm bands for the Newcastle Town match this Saturday and we ask all our supporters to join us in a minute's applause prior to the game."

An avid sports fan, Bedworth's late official also played club cricket with distinction as a fast bowler and went on to be an umpire and administrator.

Mr Robinson was born and raised in Bedworth and was also a past president of the local Rotary Club. After taking an apprenticeship as a printer on the old Nuneaton Observer, he became the weekly paper’s sports editor and later co-founded the Bedworth Echo.

He lived in Nuneaton and lost his wife Sheila through cancer several years ago. He was re-married to Sylvia and also leaves a son Andrew, daughter Elizabeth and four grandchildren.