Tributes paid to stalwart Tom

DEVOTED Macclesfield Town supporter Tom Virtue has passed away at the age of 95.

Tom was a well-known figure at the Moss Rose and constantly went above and beyond the call of duty for the club in a whole variety of ways.

After moving up to Macclesfield in his early years, he took the Silkmen into his heart and this was reciprocated by the club who welcomed him with open arms.

Together with his trusty wooden rattle, Tom followed the club both home and away for a vast amount of years and although he found himself unable to be at the games as much as he would have liked over recent years, his love of the club never waned.

Media Manager Bob Trafford said: “When I first started watching the club during the mid1980s, my Grandad introduced me to a man whose passion for the club was infectious as soon as you met him - that was Tom Virtue.

“I remember Macc playing Enfield in our first season in the Vauxhall Conference and just before kick-off, Tom came up to me and gave me a programme which had been signed by both sets of teams. I was on cloud nine for days and I still have it to this day.

“Tom loved Macclesfield Town and there is no doubt that news of his passing will sadden many of our loyal fanbase, as well as the club as a whole.”

The club added that they would like to offer their sincere condolences to all of Tom’s family and friends at this very difficult time.

Macclesfield Town fan Brian Walker went to many away matches with Tom over the years.

He said: “I knew Tom for many years.

“He was a true club stalwart - did a lot for the club, went to many away matches.

“He will be very much missed.”