Craig spent over 20 years on the board at Bristol Rovers

Former Bristol Rovers chairman Ron Craig has died after a short illness.

Craig took over the reins from Geoff Dunford in April 2007 before stepping down in August 2008 to be replaced by Nick Higgs.

"Ron will be sadly missed by everyone at the club. He was Mr Bristol Rovers," Higgs told BBC Radio Bristol.

His 16 months as chairman saw Rovers promoted to League One, reach the Johnstone's Paint Trophy final and reach the last 16 of the FA Cup.

Craig was rushed to hospital back in February after suffering a heart attack but was released a couple of weeks later.

"It has been a great shock to us as, although Ron has been ill, it was only a few weeks ago he attended his last football match with us," added Higgs.

"He treated people with respect and because of that people respected him.

"Our thoughts go out to Ann, his wife, at this very difficult time. We will be paying tribute to Ron at a forthcoming game when Ann is ready for us to do so."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version