Crawley Town FC was in mourning tonight after Bruce Winfield, the man crediting for revitalising the club, died.
Mr Winfield, 61, passed away in St Catherine's Hospice in the town after a brave battle against cancer.
A supporter for more than 50 years, Mr Winfield came back onto the club's board in 2009 and as well as putting in money of his own he found other investors willing to help finance the club.
Last July he announced that the club was debt-free and embarking on a bid to achieve Football League status.
This season Reds reached the fifth round of the FA Cup and are currently top of the Blue Square Bet premier by nine points.
A club spokesman said: "Everyone at Crawley Town Football Club is devastated by this sad news.
"Bruce has been associated with the football club for over 50 years as a lifelong supporter and later as an important figure in revitalising the club's fortunes and will be sadly missed by all.
"Bruce is survived by his wife Silpa, who with him has contributed greatly towards our current success."
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