Silkmen mourn the loss of Alan Boothby

Macclesfield Town Football Club officials, players and fans are mourning the passing of Alan Boothby.

The club website carries the following testament to Alan:

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.

Some of the Silkmen fan’s own tributes:

“Sad news, always a happy face in the McIlroy suite no matter what. RIP Alan.” Kyle Lord

“R.I.P Alan. Moose Tours won’t be the same.” Chris Edge

“A lovely man and a true gentleman. Sat with him in the VP Suite with his wife Anne and Malcolm. What a great pity – a true Macclesfield fan.” Arthur Grace

“God bless Alan. So many great memories of you home and away – and in the VP lounge at home games. Rest In Peace.” Neil Hayes

“Such sad news. Many fond memories of Alan – especially on Moose Tours. Sincere condolences to all.” Tina Lawrence

“A great bloke and true Macc Town supporter.” Heather Arrowsmith

“Terrible news. Alan sat behind me at home games. A lovely man who travelled home and away following the Silkmen.” James Bailey

“Lovely gentleman who I’m sure will be watching his beloved football team high in the sky – always and forever.” Kelly Bailey

“RIP Alan – one of the nicest guys you could meet. Always remember our weekends on Moose Tours.” Chris Hulme

“Really sad news. Alan was a truly lovely man and a true gentleman. RIP good sir.” Andy Worth