Tributes pour in for Bilston Town saviour 'marvellous' Graham Hodson
Tributes have been paid to a much-loved Black Country football club chairman and community champion who has died at the age of 59.
Graham Hodson dragged Bilston Town up from the doldrums when he took over the club in 2009.
He also founded the the Bilston Partnership Youth Football League in 1998, providing a platform for thousands of youngsters to get involved in the game at grassroots level.
Mr Hodson died on Monday morning after a short battle with cancer.
The club's vice chairman Denise Frankham said: "We are deeply saddened by the loss of our dedicated and 'marvellous' chairman.
"We are all committed to continuing his vision and taking the club forward. Everybody at the club send their condolences to his family."
A tribute will be held for Mr Hodson before kick off at Saturday's home game against Dudley Town, while the club has launched the hashtag #BilstonTownOneFamily.
Mr Hodson joined the Steelmen at a time of great upheaval, but together with Ms Frankham and club secretary Paul Lloyd, went on to oversee the redevelopment of the club's Queen Street ground and the team's rise to the West Midlands (Regional) League Premier Division.
A security guard at Assa Abloy in Willenhall, he won numerous awards for his work in the community, including an unsung heroes award at this year's Great Big Thank You Awards, and an FA award.
Most recently the club was presented with the prestigious Queen's Award for voluntary work.
Wolverhampton South East MP and Bilston Town honorary president Pat McFadden said: "Graham was a real local hero.
"The work he put into running Bilston Town Football Club alongside vice chairman Denise Frankham was truly amazing.
"He had real pride in the club and the town, and that was recognised in the recent Queen's award for voluntary services given to the club.
"His death is a tragic loss and my thoughts are with his wife Tess and all his family."
Bilston North councillor Phil Page, said: "Graham was one of the driving forces at the club. He will be a great loss to Bilston and sorely missed by all who knew him."
Tributes have come in from across the football world.
A statement from Willenhall Town said: "We are saddened today to learn that Graham Hodson, Chair at Bilston Town passed away yesterday.
"All at Willenhall Town FC send their sincere condolences to Graham's family and colleagues at Bilston Town.
"Graham was totally committed to non league football and was kind at difficult times, direct when many talk in riddles and extremely funny in his anecdotal stories that were, to use one of his words, 'marvellous'.
"A big loss to both Bilston Town and the local footballing community."
Wellington Amateurs said: "Sincere condolences to all at Bilston and Graham's family. Our thoughts are with you all."
A statement from Lye Town read: "Condolences to Graham's family and friends and all at Bilston Town. Good man gone."
AFC Bilbrook tweeted: "RIP Graham. Condolences to family and friends. Top man."
Gornal Ladies FC tweeted: "All at Gornal convey their condolences to Graham's family."
Graham is survived by his wife Theresa and their two sons, Lee and Steve.
