John Bagguley

The Evo-Stik League is saddened to have to announce the passing of League Vice President John Bagguley.

John was a prominent member of the league management - heading the Financial Committee - and was the club Life President at Lancaster City.

Born in 1946 in Stoke, John was a lifelong fan of the Potters and lived his dream watching them at Wembley last May. He moved to Lancaster in 1971 having seen a gap in the market for his finance business.

John joined the Lancaster City Board of Directors in the early 1980’s which ideally combined his strong passion for both football and trains with Giant Axe situated alongside Lancaster Station.

Over the years John served the club in many roles as a Director, Vice Chairman, Chairman, President and ultimately Life President and oversaw the rise of the club from the North West Counties League to its highest level in the Conference North.

During his time as Chairman, John took tremendous pride in the club’s great success in the mid-1990s when they won the NPL Championship for the only time in the Club’s history as well as winning the Presidents Cup and League Cups before moving up to the role of President.

Current Chairman of Lancaster City Mick Hoyle said “The Directors and all at Giant Axe are absolutely devastated by John’s death and wish to pass on our condolences to his wife Joanne, children Christopher and Gemma and all his family.

“John was a large part of Lancaster City’s recent history and the club would not be in the position they are, had it not been for his efforts at a time when it looked as if the club was in danger of going out of business in 2007, when his drive and enthusiasm and determination ensured the club’s survival.”

The Evo-Stik League would like to send their deepest condolences to John's wife and family at this sad time.