A FOOTBALL club has paid tribute to a man who was integral to its fan-backed reformation, after he sadly passed away.

Peter Mitchell was one of the people responsible in setting up City Fans United, the supporters-backed group which allows fans to back Chester FC through thick and thin, and helped guide the club from its collapse as Chester City into the reborn Chester FC.

In a statement posted on the club's website, the club said Peter "displayed exceptional commitment" to the club over a number of years.

It said: "Chester Football Club is deeply saddened by the passing of long-serving volunteer and one of our most passionate supporters, Peter Mitchell.

"As chairman of Chester City Independent Supporters Association (ISA), Peter was a central figure in the creation of City Fans United (CFU) and the reformation of the Club under supporter-ownership.

"A respected, popular and familiar figure around the Deva Stadium, Peter displayed exceptional commitment to the Club he loved so greatly over many years, latterly as a member of the Senior Blues, where he contributed to the launch of the Youth Foundation, and Fundraising Working Group.

"On behalf of everyone at Chester FC, we extend our deepest condolences to Peter’s family and friends at this very sad time."