Leek mourn club stalwart

The EVO-STIK Northern Premier League has sent its condolences to Leek Town after learning of the sad passing of secretary Brian Wain.

The EVO-STIK NPL First Division South club's popular and respected official, the father of former Leek Town chairman and current EVO-STIK NPL director Andy Wain, passed away on Thursday while on holiday abroad with his family.

In a brief statement on Friday reporting the death of the Harrison Park stalwart and former player, the Blues said: "We have received the very sad news this morning that our club secretary Brian Wain has passed away whilst on holiday. Our thoughts are with his family. We will provide more details once known."

EVO-STIK NPL chairman Mark Harris paid tribute to the long-serving volunteer and official at Harrison Park on behalf of the league's 68 clubs.

He said: “Brian Wain was a football man through and through. He served his club and county with great distinction and was, without doubt, one of the best secretaries in the NPL.

"At a time when clubs are crying out for loyal and committed volunteers like Brian, we can ill afford to lose one of his calibre. Above all, our condolences go to his son Andy – who followed him into football - and his family.”

The Wain family has been steeped in Leek Town's history since the Staffordshire club's foundation in 1946 when grandfather Lol Wain became their first groundsman. Grandmother Winnie was a member of the ladies' committee while a great uncle helped to build the first changing rooms at their home.

Source: www.evostikleague.co.uk