Death of former Burnley Football Club director and prominent figure in town

The family of the well-known and highly-respected former businessman and financial director of Burnley Football Club,  Mr Derek Gill, has announced that he died this week.
Derek GillDerek Gill
Derek Gill

Mr Gill (87), who lived in the Ightenhill area of the town, was a director of the club in the 1980s.

An accountant by profession, he joined the Board of Directors in the early 1980s and was a member when the club won the Third Division title in 1981/82.

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He served the club for several years, looking after the financial side until he resigned his position in 1985, having put himself forward, but failing to land the role of chairman to succeed John Jackson.

A club spokesman said: "The thoughts of everyone at Turf Moor are with the friends and family of Mr Gill at this sad time."

Clarets Trust chairman Peter Pike said: "Very sad news of the death of Derek Gill. He was a former director of Burnley Football Club at a time when things were very difficult for the club. Sincere sympathy to all his family and friends.

"Derek was a successful business man and former managing director of Lupton and Place. I knew him well and regarded him as a good friend.

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"He was a very caring man and also a great advocate for peace, being very much opposed to the nuclear bomb.

"A strong Roman Catholic and for many years a Labour Party member he was committed and active in trying to make it a better world for all."