Stags to mark passing of super-fan Chris Taylor with minute’s applause

Chris, of Shirebrook, ran independent Stags away travel for many years before handing over the reins to the Stags’ Supporters’ Association 13 years ago and, despite ill health, has continued to support his beloved Stags whenever possible.

A Mansfield Town spokesman said: “The club was very sad to hear of Chris’ passing. He was a genial man whose passion and support for the club was unwavering.

“Mansfield Town offers our sincere condolences to Chris’ family and friends at this sad time.”

Chris died at King’s Mill Hospital with wife Beverley and family by his bedside. Chad has been told he passed away wearing his Mansfield Town scarf.

He had suffered health problems for a number of years and two years ago spent months in hospital after going down with double pneumonia in Spain.

SSA chairman Dean Foulkes said: “All at SSA were desperately saddened to hear of the recent passing of Chris Taylor.

“Chris enabled countless Stags fans to travel all over the country for many years watching our beloved team and no doubt Stags fans who knew Chris will each have their own story to tell on how he touched their lives. Our thoughts are with his family at this time.”

Away from the Stags, Chris was also heavily involved with Sunday morning football and spent over 10 years as secretary of Cuckoo Birch, formerly Bridge Tavern, in the Chad Mansfield Sunday League.

Cuckoo Birch manager James Holland said: “Chris was a great guy and he has left a big hole in local football right from Mansfield Town to Sunday League level. He was respected by people of all ages.

“It has been a shock and we are all very sad. He will be missed but he won’t be forgotten. The club are proud to have been associated with him for over 10 years. He has put a lot of good friends together indirectly by bringing them to our club.”