Tributes have been coming in from the footballing community following the sudden death of AFC Liverpool joint Manager Ben Williams.
Ben passed away suddenly yesterday ahead of his side's Hallmark Security League tie at Cleator Moor Celtic, which was postponed as a result.
This morning AFC Liverpool issued the following statement confirming the sad news of Ben's passing.
It is with deep sadness and regret we announce that Ben Williams, AFC Liverpool joint manager, died suddenly yesterday afternoon.
Chairman Chris Stirrup issued the following statement on Ben’s passing.
First and foremost, on behalf of AFC Liverpool, we send our sincere condolences to Ben’s wife Jaclyn and his daughters Rebecca and Grace. Our thoughts also go out to the many friends Ben made inside and outside the world of football.
I’m sure fans of both teams will appreciate the need to postpone last night’s fixture and we would like to thank Cleator Moor Celtic and the NWCFL for their understanding at this difficult time.
As a Club we will come together to grieve and support one another. Whilst football is far from our thoughts at the moment, when we play our next game we will do so honouring Ben’s memory, showing the same passion and dedication to the badge that he displayed every time he stepped on to the pitch and into the dugout.
Tributes have poured in throughout the day from the footballing community once the news became public, including prominent figures from within the footballing family.
Such heartbreaking news...Our deepest condolences to Ben’s family and all at your club at this time...Known Ben from the County Prem days and he was football man through and through...RIP Ben...🙏🏻
— LOWER BRECK FC (@lowerbreck) November 21, 2018
Shocking news. The thoughts of everyone from @TranmereRovers are with Ben’s family and colleagues. #RIP #TRFC
— Nicola Palios (@NicolaPalios) November 21, 2018
Thoughts and prayers with Bens family and friends and all at AFC Liverpool ❤️
— Anthony Johnson (@amjonno) November 21, 2018
Heartbreaking 💔🙏🏻 Thinking of his family at this sad time #RIPBen
— Jacqueline Ablett (@RealMrsJAblett) November 21, 2018
The Management Committee of The Hallmark Security League would like to pass on their condolences to the staff and players at AFC Liverpool, and Ben's family at this difficult time.
As a mark of respect, all Hallmark Security League clubs are asked to observe a minute's silence at this weekend's games.
Picture: Ben Williams pictured left with fellow joint-Manager Stuart Keir.
