Hundreds line streets outside Radcliffe FC football ground after shock death of chairman Paul Hilton
Fans gathered today to pay tribute to a football club's chairman ahead of his funeral. Hundreds of supporters of Radcliffe FC - and residents in the community he worked tirelessly to promote - turned out to pay tribute to Paul Hilton.
The club announced news of the death of its 'beloved' chairman in September, calling him a 'driving force' not just for Radcliffe FC, but for the surrounding community. READ MORE: Liam Payne's family issue 'devastated' statement after One Direction star's death in Argentina The club's National League North game at home against Buxton on Saturday, September 21, was called off as a mark of respect as the news was confirmed.
Clubs and organisations have subsequently posted tributes, with his death marked ahead of kick-offs. The funeral cortege was driven to the club's ground, the Neuven Stadium in Radcliffe, at 11.30am on Thursday ahead of a private funeral service later this afternoon.
One fan who attended to pay his respects said: "It was a great turn-out. There were many supporters there wearing the club's colours and scarves. "The coffin was draped in the club's colours of yellow and blue.