Stalwart mourned by club and league

EVO-STIK League Stafford Rangers are mourning the loss of club secretary Michael Hughes who has passed away suddenly while on holiday.

A former chairman, director and treasurer at the First Division South club, the father of two was 68 and had been involved at Marston Road since 1984.

The club stalwart and accountant collapsed on Tuesday while out walking with his wife near Dartmouth in Devon. He is survived by his son Jason, daughter Clare and two grandchildren.

Rangers spokesman and match secretary Robbie Mullin paid tribute to their late secretary who was also head of discipline at the Staffordshire FA and sat on the Football Conference’s council during the 1980s.

Mullin said: "Our deepest sympathies go to his wife, family and friends. He was Mr Stafford Rangers through and through and will be sorely missed by everybody connected with the club. In the thirty years of loyal service he gave Rangers, he did just about every job going, was an inspiration to us all and will never be forgotten at Marston Road."

A spokesman for the EVO-STIK League said: "We are very saddened to hear of Mike’s passing. He was well known and respected throughout the league and a loyal and long-serving member of the club. Our condolences go to his family, friends and everybody at the football club."