Millers line up to pay tribute to stalwart

The playing staff and management at Carlton Town have lined up to pay tribute to vice-chairman Terry 'Chuck' Fowler after he lost his battle against cancer on Sunday.

In a statement on the First Division South club's official website, the Millers said they were 'devastated' to report the death of the popular official, pictured, just days before the start of the new season.

Mr Fowler passed away in hospital aged 65 with his loved ones by his side. Although the cause of death is not yet known, he had suffered many other setbacks to his health in recent weeks.

Carlton Chairman Mick Garton paid tribute to the club stalwart and has told Mr Fowler's family that the club would do everything possible to support them over the coming days.

He said: "I will miss him, there have been a few tears today and I am sure there will be one or two more. We have stood side by side for over a decade and helped build this club with the help of many others. The biggest compliment I can pay him is that I totally and utterly trusted him. He was a very loyal man, a great friend and a brilliant vice-chairman.

"The way he took on and stood up to the developers when the relief road was going through the middle of our main pitch will be his biggest legacy for me. He had to oversee that whole project and he left no stone unturned in helping get the club the best deal possible."

Carlton manager Les Mcjannet said: "He was a pleasure to work over the last four years and is a massive loss to everyone. He gave great service to this club and my thoughts go out to his family."

Club captain Martin Ball was also devastated and he told the club's website: "Chucky was without doubt the nicest man in football. Every player loved him and his passion for Carlton Town was unquestionable. He could put a smile on your face without saying a word.

"He has been around the club since I first arrived nearly 10 years ago and has always made me feel welcome. He was not only the vice-chairman but also a friend. I am sure I speak for every player that played for Carlton in saying he is going to be dearly missed, but never forgotten."

Former reserve manager and academy manager Ian Spencer said: "I am very saddened to hear the news. Chuck was very supportive of me when I managed the reserves but was especially supportive of his babies as he used to say.

"He hardly ever missed an academy match and was always there supporting the young lads. Rip Chuck Fowler, sure you will be watching a match somewhere."

Former pyschio Stuart Scott was another rocked by the news. "I am so sad to hear the news about Chuck," he said. "He was one of life's nice guys, always ready to help with any problems, a good man and a huge loss to everyone. My thoughts go out to his family."

Long-serving centre-half Grant Brindley has just retired from playing and he added: "Absolutely devastated to hear about Chuck. He will be sadly missed. I used to love being in his company."