VAUXHALL MOTORS Football Club has paid tribute to the club's "well loved" former chairman Alan Bartlam.

The 69-year-old sadly passed away earlier this month following a long illness and 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.

Now the club has posted its tribute, along with details of Alan's funeral.

In a statement, the club said: "It is with great sadness that we inform you of the death of our well loved and respected senior vice chairman, Alan Bartlam.

"Alan died at home on Friday, October 8 after a lengthy battle with his illness. He will be greatly missed by everyone at the club.

"Alan was a stalwart of non-league football, through his association as press officer with the North West Counties Football League, director and programme editor at South Liverpool FC and chairman at Vauxhall Motors FC for 14 years.

"We send our sincere condolences to Alan’s family and friends; you are in our thoughts.

"The funeral will be held on Tuesday, November 2, 1.30pm, at St James’ Church, New Brighton, CH45 9LF."

Previously, 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."