Tributes have been paid to a successful Midland businessman who will be long remembered for his work at West Bromwich Albion.
Current club president John Silk LLB passed aged 89 on December 31 after a short illness.
He was a solicitor and a member of the Silk family behind the Hampson Industries aerospace companies, which went on to employ thousands of people.
He founded local law firm Silks Solicitors in 1953 and followed his brother Tom, who was tragically killed in an air crash in 1980, onto the Albion board in 1984.
He became a director of the club in 1984 before serving as chairman between 1988 and 1992 and suceeding Sir Bert Millichip as club president in 2003.
Albion will hold a minute’s applause in memory of Mr Silk shortly before kick-off at today’s game with Newcastle and flags at The Hawthorns have also been lowered to half-mast as a mark of respect.
Chairman Jeremy Peace said: “John was very proud to be Club president and took his duties very seriously.
“Until his illness, he was a constant presence at home and away matches. Notably, he was in attendance for our 2-1 win at Old Trafford in September.
“John was a quiet but very honourable man and he will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”
