Rainworth Miners Welfare are deeply saddened to announce the death of vice-chairman Kim Wright, aged just 55.

Kim lost his long battle with cancer on the evening of Thursday 13th October when he passed away at Nottingham's Queens Medical Centre.

However, it was felt that he would not have wished for Saturday's match against Bridlington Town to be postponed, so the game went ahead as normal, with a minute's silence in his memory before kick-off.

The son of former Rainworth guru the late Alan Wright and his wife Eileen, Kim played as a central defender for the club in the mid to late 1980s, and following his playing days he served the club quietly behind the scenes, scorning any official position, until taking over as chairman in 2012, a position he held until stepping down to allow new investment in the club by solar panel company Green Energy, with Mark Hawkins taking over.

When Mr Hawkins left the club to return to Mansfield Town, Kim continued to work tirelessly for the Wrens, refusing the post of chairman because of his illness but serving as vice-chairman, while his company, MSS (Mansfield Sprinkler Services) Ltd became major sponsors.

He carried on attending matches for as long as his health allowed, just weeks before his passing, and even then remained heavily involved right until his final few days.

Chairman Les Lee said: "We've known for some time that Kim's time with us was limited. It was something he accepted philosophically, but his loss will leave a big hole in the club which will be impossible to fill.

"We send our love and our deepest condolences to his wife Anne and to all his family."

The date, time and place of Kim's funeral will be published as soon as it is known.