Tony had been ill for a short while and more recently his visits to matches less frequent than usual, but it was still a shock to everyone at the club to hear the news of his passing at the age of 84.

Tony had been a club member for over 33 years and held various positions including first team trainer, caretaker first team manager and committee member.

He was more recently known and admired by visiting clubs and officials in his role as the Nailers boardroom host.

Tony joined the club in 1983 as reserve team trainer when his son Paul became a playing member of the side and he was promoted to first team trainer duties in 1985 under the management of Geoff Clarence.

The sacking of Clarence in December 1985 saw Tony appointed as caretaker manager and his one and only game in charge was a 2-1 defeat at Yorkshire Amateurs.

Later he became a valuable committee member and was a regular spectator at most of the Nailers first team matches, home and away.

His role as boardroom host brought him onto contact with many officials from opposing clubs, all of whom held him in the highest regard.

Apart from his family, his loss will be felt most by past and present club members and supporters who came to know this genial man who never had a bad word for anyone.

He is survived by his wife Joyce, son Paul and daughters, Sharon and Lynda, five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Tony’s funeral will take place at 2.00pm on Thursday, 12th January at Markeaton Crematorium in Derby.

Tony’s family have requested that attendees at the service wear a ‘splash of gold’ to reflect his love of Belper Town Football Club and the pleasure the club gave him during his 30+ years of involvement with the Nailers.