TRIBUTES have been paid following the death of former Vauxhall Motors FC chairman Alan Bartlam.

The 69-year-old, who sadly passed away last week following a long illness, was a popular figure in non-league football.

He was involved with The Motormen for more than two decades and was chairman from 2003 until 2017.

Alan was the Ellesmere Port club's vice-chairman up until his death.

Club ambassador Fred Birch posted on social media: "RIP Alan Bartlam. He was like a stick of rock with Vauxhall FC, running right through the middle.

"I received an email off him the other day saying he only had days left. He said he wanted no sympathy as he had had a great life. Brought tears to my eyes. One of the nice guys. GBNF."

Cammell Laird 1907 FC posted the following tribute on its website: "Cammell Laird 1907 FC are deeply saddened to hear the tragic news at the weekend that former Vauxhall Motors chairman Alan Bartlam has passed away.

"Alan was a well-known and much-loved figure in local football, serving Vauxhall Motors for more than two decades in several roles, including the position of chairman, as the club progressed up the non-league pyramid.

"He was a true gentleman and will be dearly missed.

"We offer our sincere condolences to Alan's family and friends as well as all at Vauxhall Motors FC, and our thoughts and prayers are with them at this time."

 

South Liverpool FC posted on Twitter: "Everyone at South was deeply saddened to learn of Alan Bartlam's death at the weekend after a long illness.

"A young South fan in the mid 1960s, he rose to be a South director in the early 1970s, as well as programme editor & gateman.

"As Secretary of the youth team he saw three cups won including the prestigious Lancashire FA Youth Cup in 1972.

"He moved in the mid 1980s to being press officer at The North West Counties Football League and for many years was a leading role at Vauxhall Motors.

"A regular South visitor, his association and friendship with us will be much missed as we have said goodbye to another important link with our past.

"Our condolences go to his partner Helen and his daughter Sian at this sad time."