FORMER Warrington Town chairman Bob Smith has died.

After a short illness he died in Liverpool’s Broad Green Hospital yesterday, Christmas Day, aged 78.

Bob, who worked mainly at Shell Stanlow and Carrington as a chemical engineer, was the chairman of Yellows in arguably their most successful period prior to this year.

He was in charge at Cantilever Park when they reached the FA Vase Final at Wembley in 1987 and the quarter finals of the FA Trophy in 1993.

And he oversaw many ground improvements at Cantilever Park during his time at the helm.

Bob, who lived in Thelwall, highlighted his pride in the current Warrington Town set-up, including the FA Cup run to the second round, in a recent letter to the Warrington Guardian.

He said: “Having been involved with the club through the 70s, 80s and into the 90s, a period where we progressed from the Mid Cheshire League through the Cheshire League and via the North West Counties League into the HFS Loans League, we certainly had some successful years, especially as we reached the FA Vase final as well as the Trophy quarter-final.

“Try as we might, we never reached the first round proper of the FA Cup. So well done to the team and manager.

“Having been greatly involved with all the ground improvements we carried out at that time, I am really pleased that the present management team have kept the maintenance of the ground well up to scratch as it would have been very disappointing if maintenance had declined over the years.

“Best wishes in the efforts to move up the pyramid in the future.”

As well as his time with Warrington Town, Bob had a wide interest in the local football scene and was the author of a book charting the history of the sport in the town.

Bob leaves his wife Kirsten, daughter Tina, sons David and Peter, and eight grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements will be announced when they are confirmed.

Leave your tributes below, using the comment link.