Shock at death of Stafford Rangers boss

The 68-year-old is credited with saving the club from collapse and a statement from them said: 'We will never be able to repay the debt of gratitude that we owe him.'

Wolverhampton-born Mr Hughes died while on holiday in Devon with his wife Carol when the couple were having a walk.

He worked at the club for 34 years and became chairman in 2010. An announcement on the club's website said: "Everybody at Stafford Rangers is in deep shock at the news of the tragic and sudden loss of Mike Hughes.

"Mike was not only our chairman but a good friend to all who knew him. His devotion to the club over the past 30 years was enormous and we will never be able to repay the debt of gratitude that we owe him. He was without any doubt the biggest single reason why Stafford Rangers is still in existence today."

The former accountant worked in various guises at the club, including as secretary and director.

He was a staunch Wolves supporter, an avid golf fan and regularly went to watch England cricket matches. Ex-director David Montgomery said his death had come as a 'total shock'.

He added: "Mike was involved with the club for more than 30 years and did every job you can think of. Nobody knows more about the club than he did, we all owe him a huge debt."

"His death has come as a total shock and he will be hugely missed."

Stafford Rangers were relegated last season from the Evo Stik Northern Premier League, meaning the club has dropped three divisions in six years.

There were fears the club could struggle to make ends meet as it faced thousands of pounds of debt and manager Graham Heathcote quit.

Director Jon Downing stepped down as director in May.

Mr Hughes carried on as the only active board member and helped scrutinise the amount of money spent on players to find more savings.

Mr Hughes lived in Parkside, Stafford, and was a father of two, and grandfather of five.

The club will honour Mr Hughes, who died on August 6, at its first home game of the season on August 16 against Carlton Town.

His funeral will take place on August 20 at 2pm at St Mary's Church in St Mary's Place.