Secretary's tribute to late president

Their first president since the mid 1990s after joining the club in the late 1960s when Sutton Coldfield Sub Aqua Club moved in with the Royals, the club stalwart and lifelong fan, pictured, passed away peacefully on Bank Holiday Monday aged 85.

Worship, who is standing down from his role at the end of the season after more than half a century of involvement, knew their late president as well as anybody after his time on the club's committee but said everyone at Coles Lane will have fond memories of often finding the former builder at their home carrying out repairs, maintenance work and assisting on the pitch.

The Royals secretary said: "It was with great sadness that we announced the death of our long-serving president on Monday after a short illness and our thoughts and sympathy have been with the family at this sad time.

"Bernard was a regular attendee at most of our games both home and away, where he would join in banter with both sets of fans and board members, being well liked by all. He will be sadly by everyone."

Image courtesy of Sutton Coldfield Town

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