BROMSGROVE Sporting are in mourning after the shock death of their chairman Jon Prescott.
Mr Prescott, 69, was found at his family home next to his computer on Tuesday morning.
Having previously had spells at Bromsgrove Rovers and Worcester City, he was a key figure when phoenix club Sporting started in 2010 and was one of the founding board members.
As groundsman, he was known for the time and effort he put into making sure the Victoria Ground pitch was one of the the best in the Midlands Football League.
He took over as chairman of the club last season when he replaced Jon Teece and continued to be a driving force at Sporting.
Mr Teece said: “This has come as a terrible shock to everyone at the club. Our thoughts are with Jon’s family at this incredibly difficult time. Jon was with us when the club started and he was always passionate about making Bromsgrove a success.
“He was a friend and when I was chairman he used to come over to my house so we could work together to solve any problems the club faced.
“He worked very hard as groundsman and it was his effort that made the pitch one of the best in the Midlands Football League. We are going to miss him tremendously. It’s going to be a lot duller around here without him.”
Mr Prescott, who was also chairman of Finstall Parish council, was a key figure behind the club’s recent groundshare deal with Worcester, which is set to provide a financial boost for Sporting.
As well as being a respected member of the board, he also helped the club earn numerous grants, including £50,000 from the Budweiser Club Futures Scheme to help improve the Victoria Ground. The board of directors were set to meet on Tuesday night to discuss a short-term plan.
Mr Teece added: “This is a busy time of year for the club. The improvements at the Victoria Ground, which Jon had a huge hand in, are nearing completion and we’re also close to the start of the season.”
He is survived by wife Jenny, children Mel and Steve and four grandchildren.
It is with great sadness I have to inform you all that @SportingFC chairman Jon Prescott passed away this morning. RIP Jon Thoughts with all
— David Stephens (@SportingSec) July 12, 2016
Very saddened to hear @SportingFC Chairman Jon Prescott has died. My thoughts with his many friends & family. RIP https://t.co/0AfzAM6HbL
— Sajid Javid (@sajidjavid) July 12, 2016
Absolutely gutted to hear about the death of @SportingFC's chairman Jon Prescott. His graft for the club was something else, RIP
— Max Banner (@maxbanner17) July 12, 2016
Thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Jon Prescott the chairman @SportingFC #ripjon
— Kev Kingham (@KevKingham) July 12, 2016
So sorry to hear the news from @SportingFC today with the passing of Chairman Jon Prescott. My condolences to all concerned. RIP Jon
— Gary Hazlehurst (@FolkyGaz) July 12, 2016
Very bad news today one of the nicest guys in non league football has passed away RIP Jon Prescott our deep condolences go to his family
— Coleshill Town FC (@coleshilltownfc) July 12, 2016
Such terrible news. The thoughts of everyone at Aggborough are with you. https://t.co/V8bp07WCp3
— Official Harriers (@khfcofficial) July 12, 2016
Top bloke and will be missed dearly by not just people in connection with @SportingFC but anyone who ever met the guy #ripjohn
— Chris Duggan (@chris_duggan1) July 12, 2016
@SportingFC The thoughts of everyone at Worcester City are with you and Jon's family and friends. Rest in peace, Jon.
— Worcester City FC (@WorcesterCityFc) July 12, 2016
Such Sad News... Thoughts go out to family, friends and the club.🙏🏽 https://t.co/M3GPZ3VPoM
— Daniel Sweeney (@dan_sweenz) July 12, 2016
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