“A great example to any chairman” – Tributes paid as Scarborough mourn chief David Holland

David Holland, left, with manager Steve Kittrick. Pic: Scarborough Athletic FC

DAVID HOLLAND has been described as a “great example to any chairman” after the Scarborough Athletic chief died on Tuesday afternoon.

Holland, who started supporting the former Scarborough FC as an eight-year-old, was admitted to intensive care on Monday but lost his short battle with illness 24 hours later.

He joined the club’s Supporters’ Trust following the demise of Scarborough FC and helped in the formation of Scarborough Athletic in June 2007.

Holland has also been one of the main driving forces behind getting Scarborough a new ground back in the town with them currently groundsharing at Bridlington Town.

The Seadogs have won two promotions since the club was reformed in 2007 and they are now in the Evo-Stik NPL North.

Scarborough supporters have paid tribute to Holland for his efforts while ex-Athletic boss Rudy Funk was full of praise for his former boss.

He told Yorkshire Coast Radio: “I don’t know where to start, I’m just speechless. Dave was a gentleman and always said the right things at the right time.

“We had a great relationship and had some amazing times together. This to me is hard to take – being at Scarborough was the time of my life.

“We spent hours and hours planning ahead. We knew what we had to do to get the club where it is right now – it was always about talking.

“Dave Holland played a huge, huge part in our success at Scarborough and he also played a huge part in my life. He was a great listener and very generous – he was a great example to any chairman.”

A club statement confirmed: “It is with a heavy heart that the board has to announce our chairman David Holland passed away this afternoon (Tuesday).

“Please respect Wendy and the family’s privacy at this very difficult time, further details will be released as and when appropriate.”