Silkmen Mourn The Passing Of Alan Boothby

Within every Football Club, there are instantly recognisable individuals who visibly embody everything which is so special about it.

You may not necessarily know their names, or have ever really spoken to them at any great length - but they are always there and whether you are consciously aware of it or not, they become part of all our football families.

These are the people who just a mere glance in their general direction conjures up an evocative sense of belonging, recognition of a passionately-held common cause and a deeply-rooted sense of home.

Macclesfield Town are blessed with such individuals in an abundance and nobody exemplified this more than the much-loved Alan Boothby.

Alan's mutual love affair with Macclesfield Town was nurtured by his parents, who were both committed season ticket holders here at the Moss Rose and they undoubtedly lay the foundations for what would evolve into a treasured association that would last a lifetime.

An incredibly well-respected Vice President, Alan was unquestionably one of Moose Tours' most committed passengers.

Together with his adored late wife Ann and in recent years devoted partner Sheila, distance proved to be no object for Alan as he unwaveringly followed his beloved Silkmen throughout all the good times and the bad.

Wherever we were, Alan was there with us too.

As well as magnificently supporting the Club from the terraces, Alan selflessly played an influential role behind the scenes for many years too.

Indeed, he was one of the founding members of the Silk Alliance and even grew fuchsias to help the fledgling organisation raise funds!

In short, Alan was and always will be one of our own.

The cherished memories which Alan played such a prominent role in creating will live on in the hearts and minds of everyone lucky enough to have known him forevermore.

In that sense, Alan will never leave us and his legacy will continue to influence the Club's narrative in so many ways for generations to come.