New Year tribute planned for late chairman

Warrington Town are in mourning for one of the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League club's former chairman who died on Christmas Day.

Officials at the First Division North club announced on Sunday that they will pay their last respects to former chairman Bob Smith at their home game against Northwich Victoria on New Year's Day.

Aged 78 when he passed away in hospital after a short illness, Mr Smith worked as a chemical engineer at Shell Stanlow and lived in Thelwall. He is survived by his wife Kirsten, daughter Tina, sons David and Peter, and eight grandchildren.

Mr Smith was the Wire's chairman when they reached the FA Vase Final at Wembley in 1987 and the quarter finals of the FA Trophy in 1993.

During his tenure, he helped oversee various ground improvements at Cantilever Park and was involved throughout the 70s, 80s and into the 90s, helping the Wire climb from the Mid Cheshire League to the Northern Premier League as well reaching the FA Vase Final at Wembley against St Helens.

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