TRIBUTES have poured in for Phil Gartside after the Leigh-born Bolton Wanderers chairman died aged 63 following a short battle with cancer.
Mr Gartside, who was born in Leigh and attended Leigh Grammar School, died at his Cheshire home last Wednesday, surrounded by his family.
A book of remembrance has been set up outside the Macron Stadium where fans can leave their condolences.
Funeral details will not be made public at the request of his family, although the club is looking into organising a memorial service at the stadium at a later date, which would be open to supporters, guests and those simply wishing to pay their respects.
His family also requested that a minute’s silence not be held prior to Bolton’s Championship match at Brighton on Saturday.
Both sides wore black armbands in Mr Gartside’s memory and supporters decided to hold a minute's applause in the 63rd minute in acknowledgement of all that the 63-year-old achieve at Bolton.
He joined the board at Wanderers in 1989 and became chairman in October 1999.
Under his chairmanship the Whites gained promotion to the Premier League and reached the UEFA Cup for the first time in the club's history.
His last few years had been less successful. Wanderers were relegated from the Premier League in 2012.
They are currently bottom of the Championship and are almost £200 million in debt. The club owe HMRC more than £2 million and face a winding up order.
Mr Gartside stepped away from his duties as chairman of the club in November and is survived by wife Carol, daughter Beverley and son Andrew.
Brett Warburton, who was vice chairman of the club under Mr Gartside, said: “He was without doubt the most loyal, modest and capable people I have ever met and he will be sadly missed.
“On behalf of Eddie Davies, the board and everyone associated with the club we send our deepest condolences to all Phil’s family and ask that their privacy is respected during what is a difficult time for all involved."
Former Wanderers striker Dean Holdsworth said: “It is such a hard time for his family and friends and everyone connected with the club.
“As a player I enjoyed his company and spoke about football through wins and defeats. He wanted the club to do well.
“I have fond memories of the good times we had during the Premier League days and it is a sad time for all.
“His legacy will be in the history books of the club.”
Former Whites star Nicolas Anelka tweeted: "So sad chairman Phil Gartside has died aged 63 following battle with cancer."
Former Whites and Liverpool star Jason McAteer tweeted: "So sad to hear of the passing of Phil Gartside. Fantastic man and will be sadly missed."
Ex-England cricket skipper Michael Vaughan said: "Really sad news. Thoughts are with Phil Gartside's family. A great sporting enthusiast who adored his beloved Bolton."
TV presenter Vernon Kay said: “RIP Phil. A man who lived and breathed BWFC and the town of Bolton.
Bolton Wanderers Supporters Association wrote: “RIP Phil. The BWSA sends deepest sympathies to his family and friends.”
Current Whites player Neil Danns tweeted: "My prayers go out to his family."
“He will be greatly missed – not just as a chairman but as a good friend.”
Whites legend Andy Walker played for the club when Mr Gartside was a board member.
He said Mr Gartside ‘couldn’t have done more’ to look after him during his time at the club.
He added: “I really remember how kind and supportive he was towards me, in particular when I had a serious knee injury and was out for almost a year.
“He would send people to the house to help me and my wife and invited me around to use his swimming pool.
“Phil was involved with the club during a period of astonishing success and I know he loved being a part of that. It is very sad news.”
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