MIDDLEWICH Town FC are in mourning this week after the news that vice chairman John McAteer has died.

John was a Town stalwart and was instrumental in the club's success over recent years.

He was also largely responsible for bringing current manager Terry Murphy to the club from local rivals Barnton.

Steve Morris, chairman of Middlewich Town, said: "John has been the cornerstone for the club's development over more years than I care to remember.

"He helped initiate the funding for the all weather pitch development at Seddon Street and more recently the funding for the new changing room facility and refurbishment of the supporters' club.

"John displayed many attributes.

"However, the most prominent one was his great knowledge of non-league football.

"This knowledge and experience was shared with all team managers and coaches, who I know were all extremely grateful for his help and advice."

Morris added: "It was very rare that John did not attend a first team fixture, either home or away, and indeed could be seen either putting the nets up, cleaning and organising the match kit, or helping clean out the dressing rooms after the game.

"I know that John was involved with many other groups and organisations within the town and demonstrated the same commitment to all concerned.

"His presence, commitment and dedication will be sadly missed by the community as a whole."

And one of those who will feel the loss most keenly is first team manager Terry Murphy.

He said: "John's death is a massive blow for the club as he was the driving force behind the club and really worked hard to get things in place.

"It's also a huge blow from a team point of view because he took charge of the kits and wrote out the team sheets as well as loads of other things. His work was unbelievable.

"It's a body blow for Middlewich as a town because the work that's been done by John has not just been for the football, it's been for the town."

And Murphy now hopes that John's death will spur his side on in their quest to win the Mid Cheshire First Division - a title he feels would be a fitting tribute.

He added: "I hope this will give the lads the extra reason to win the league, but you never know how people are going to react and the lads will really miss him because he was almost part of the team.

"He was always around and hopefully now they'll go on and win the league for John."

Town took the first steps towards the title with a 3-2 win over Knutsford and now face a make or break week.

Tonight, Wednesday, the take on Rylands with form side Daten providing the next obstacle on Saturday.

The season finishes with what should be an easy tie against Bollington.