RUNCORN Town have paid tribute to former club chairman Tony Riley, who has died after a battle with coronavirus.

The football club has confirmed that the life member – who also served as a director with Runcorn FC and as chairman at Halton FC – passed away in hospital on Monday morning.

In a statement, the club said: “It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of life member and former club chairman Tony Riley.

“His death occurred following a short period in hospital with Covid-19.

“Tony lived for football and was a former director of Runcorn FC in the early 1990s, when they reached Wembley in the FA Trophy final.

“After his time at the then Football Conference club, he spent more time in local football – being chairman of General Chemical and Halton FC for many years and being instrumental in them moving their own ground, the ‘Field of Dreams’ on Picow Farm Road.

“In the summer of 2005, he joined the committee at Mond Rangers as we were changing identity to Runcorn Town.

“His vision, passion and work rate helped to transform the ground and he was always involved with ground improvement projects, from laying concrete or drains to changing floodlights and general painting around the ground.

“In 2009, he was elected chairman and he led us into the non-league pyramid for the first time as we joined the North West Counties League.

“He remained Chairman until the end of last season when he stepped down, with the committee voting for Tony to become a life member due to his work with the club.

“Our thoughts at this time are with Tony's family, his wife Mary, daughter Joanne and son Mike, who is also our club treasurer.”