Pic: Buckland Athletic FC
WESTERN League Premier side Buckland Athletic have paid tribute to assistant manager Andy Hill after he lost his long battle with cancer.
Hill, 49, had been the number two at Buckland for the last three years working alongside Anthony Lynch and then Adam Castle and has a long history with football in the Devon region.
Hill established Torbay Gents FC and also had roles at South West Peninsula League side Stoke Gabriel among other clubs.
He was on the touchline for Buckland's last game against Bradford Town in January but lost his long battle with illness on Tuesday.
A club statement read: “We are sad to announce that on Tuesday, February 16 our assistant first team manager Andy Hill sadly lost his long battle against cancer.
“Andy joined the club in 2012 as the assistant manager to the then first team manager Anthony Lynch, and has continued in the same role working alongside current manager Adam Castle ever since.
“Whilst he has been with us Andy has worked tirelessly on and off the pitch to help move the club forward, and also played a big part in getting the first team promoted to the Toolstation Western League.
“His unassuming presence on match day will be sorely missed by all connected to the club, we have a huge void to fill. The club will need to pull together over the coming days, weeks and months to ensure we continuing building on Andy's legacy at the club.
“The club would like to offer our heartfelt condolences to his family, especially his parents, brothers and sister and young son Jordan. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this sad time.”
All clubs competing in the Western League will observe a minute's silence as a mark of respect prior to Saturday's games.
