The death has been reported of former York City chairman John Batchelor at the age of just 51-years-old.
Batchelor experienced a turbulent short reign at Bootham Crescent after succeeding former chairman Douglas Craig in the role.
Under his controversial leadership the club came close to extinction and also lost the lease on their stadium.
He originally had involvement in racing cars in the British Touring Car Championship before becoming chairman of York City in March 2002.
During his tenure he changed the name of the club to York City Soccer Club and included a chequered flag on its redesigned badge and first-team kit.
Batchelor was also reported as trying to buy-out ITV Digital, whilst a promise to purchase the club’s ground similarly failed to materialise.
The Minstermen were instead eventually forced into administration and only saved by the magnificence of their own supporters.
He later tried to take over Mansfield Town and change their name to Harchester United after the Sky ‘Dream Team’ series, while also being linked with failed bids at Accrington Stanley, Southampton and Chester City.
Batchelor, who lived in Wilmslow, Cheshire, died of liver disease caused by alcoholism in Stepping Hill Hospital, Stockport.
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