AFC STONEHAM have announced the death of beloved club president Geoff Smith, less than 24 hours after the club won the FA Vase at Wembley.
The Purps lifted the coveted non-league trophy at the national stadium on Sunday, following a 0-0 draw and a 4-2 win on penalties over Cockfosters.
They have now paid tribute to the 78-year-old pillar of the community.
Stoneham's statement said: "It is with a very heavy heart that our club has to announce the very sad passing, on Monday morning, of club president, club legend and 'Mr Stoneham', Geoff Smith.
"Geoff gave 60 years to our club, starting out at Ordnance Survey, where Geoff worked. He fulfilled every role in the club over that time at five or six different grounds that the club resided at.
"There will never be enough words to describe Geoff, however kind, committed, loyal, friendly, popular and a 'true gentleman' would be a few to start with.
"In those 60 years, Geoff made friends with hundreds, if not thousands, of people. Easily said at such a sad time, however, you will struggle to find anyone who had a bad word to say about Geoff Smith.
"Geoff was due to be in the Royal Box at Wembley on Sunday and would have seen his club's greatest moment in 107 years, but was sadly taken ill early on that morning.
"Geoff was also scheduled to receive an award during half-time at Wembley for his services to AFC Stoneham and grassroots football in recognition of those 60 years. The award was given to him on Sunday evening in hospital by his family.
"We spoke to Geoff's family this morning and his daughter said: 'I told him the score and that you had won on penalties. He was the proudest man.
"'I read him the names of the penalty scorers, he smiled at every name I read out. We smiled together. He knew exactly what had happened and was chuffed to bits.'
"Geoff's family would like to thank everyone for their messages of condolence.
"We take solace at this time that Geoff passed away as a very proud man, knowing that his 60 years' total commitment to AFC Stoneham had reached its finest hour. A day that we know Geoff had only ever dreamed of and could never imagine would come true.
"The victory on Sunday now has even more significance, poignancy and meaning than we ever thought possible at the time.
"Words will never do justice to such a wonderful and magnificent human being as Geoff Smith. Rest in peace, Mr Stoneham."
