Spennymoor Town Football Club were saddened to hear of the passing of former vice-Chairman of the club Alan Courtney earlier this month at the age of 74.

Courtney played a pivotal role in saving senior football in the town following the demise of Spennymoor United, and was an integral figure in the early years of Town.

It took the newly formed Town two seasons before winning promotion as Northern League Division Two Champions in 2007 under the leadership of Alan Murray.

However, a new crisis hit the club off the pitch with eviction from The Brewery Field by the local council. The intervention of Courtney, along with his brother and well known referee George, managed to negotiate a twenty five year lease of the ground after Pollock departed in the summer of 2007.

Alan was a devoted husband to Majorie, loving father of Alyson and son-in law Michael and a treasured Grandpa of Chloe and Evie.

The club send its deepest condolences to Alan’s family and friends, and as a mark of respect, there will be a minute silence ahead of kick off against Curzon Ashton on Saturday.

Alan’s funeral takes place on Friday 22nd October, with the service beginning at 2.15pm at St. Clare’s Church in Newton Aycliffe.