JOHN Bircher, who has died at the age of 81, will be remembered by players, supporters and management teams past and present as “Mr Witney United”.

Mr Bircher, who was joint president of the club, passed away last week following a long illness.

He was a founder member and former vice chairman of the club, which reformed from the ashes of Witney Town in 2002.

Many tributes have been paid to the popular club stalwart, led by Witney United chairman Steve Lake.

Mr Lake said: “John was the kind of person that every non-league club dreams about having on board.

“He, along with his wife Beryl, dedicated so many hours behind the scenes to make sure that, come match day, everything was ready. John will be sorely missed by everybody that knew him, and I will particularly miss his dry wit and his friendship.

“John would, I know, have been looking forward to the 10th anniversary of the club being founded, but I am sure he will be looking down on us and raising a glass to toast the occasion in a couple of weeks.”

The club’s general manager Andy Lyne added: “John was a very special man and someone for whom I always wanted to do well and had tremendous affection and respect for.

“He and his family have always been very supportive to me both in terms of my football management and in my private life. I will never forget that.”

Oxford Mail sports writer Kieren Bushnell, who knew John for many years, said: “It is very sad news. John was an absolute gentleman.

“Hopefully the club can push on without him, but it’s a desperately sad loss.”

Mr Bircher spent most of his working life at Rover Oxford as a shipping clerk and was married for 54 years.

His funeral service takes place at the St John the Baptist Church in Curbridge, near Witney, tomorrow, at 2pm.