Moatmen mourn late steward and stalwart

Gresley officials have paid tribute to their steward and Non-League stalwart John Bishop ahead of his funeral.

Previously a committee member and groundsman at neighbouring Borrowash Victoria for 27 years, he passed away recently aged 76 after joining the EVO-STIK League’s Moatmen last year.

The funeral for the former construction worker, pictured in a yellow jacket alongside the First Division South club's chairman Barry North and members of the supporters club, is taking place at the Markeaton Crematorium near Derby at 12 noon on Wednesday 12 July.

Gresley secretary Ian Collins worked alongside their late steward at the East Midlands Counties League outfit before the friends were reunited at the Moat Ground.

Collins said: "In the short period he was at Gresley he made an instant impact and many friends, selling a remarkable £600 of Christmas raffle tickets which is a record for the club. He will be missed by many at this club and in the football circle of Derbyshire."

Image courtesy of Rob Mansfield/Gresley FC