HEARTFELT tributes have been paid to one of Chester FC’s directors who died suddenly aged 33.
The death of Richard Wightman, who was also a City Fans United membership officer, has left hundreds of fans of the resurrected club stunned and saddened.
Mr Wightman, who died on Sunday evening following a short illness, played an instrumental part in setting up Phoenix Club Chester FC and worked tirelessly to ensure that the club got off to a successful start.
A club spokesman said: “His presence and humour will certainly be missed around the Exacta Stadium, a place he liked to call home, and the dedication Richard put into the club was second to none.
“Richard, a lifelong Chester fan, volunteered many, many hours as City Fans United’s membership officer, sometime working into the early hours when membership of the group was rising dramatically through 2010.
“Richard then became an integral part of Chester FC, where he served as a director of the club and also ensured that there was a formal link with our disabled supporters, for whom he would do so much work.
“An ever present at home and away matches, everyone got to know Richard and how proud he was of his club.
“He lived, breathed, and slept Chester FC. As well as losing one of our most dedicated supporters, we have lost a great friend who was an inspiration to all who knew him.
“Richard’s sad passing is a huge, huge loss to Chester FC, and he will be greatly missed by all at the club, and our thoughts are with Richard’s family and friends at this time.”
Fans are welcome to drop off flowers at the Exacta Stadium, which will then be put on display in a dedicated area of the stadium grounds.