Liam Chronnell

It was with great sadness we learned of the death of local journalist and FC United founder member Liam Chronnell at the weekend.

Liam, 33, was a contributor to the FC programme and covered the club for the Bury Times, as well as supporting the reds as a fan when work allowed.

A home and away United fan for many years, he passed his season ticket on when the Glazers took over at Old Trafford and was involved in the marches and protests against their tenure.

He still found a way to attend plenty of United matches, particularly away from home and in Europe, and in between covering Bolton Wanderers for the Bolton News, he could often be seen in the press box at Gigg Lane reporting on FC.

He was found in his flat by his father on Sunday and the cause of death is not yet known. Our thoughts are with his family, particularly his long-term partner Caroline and their young daughter Olive.

A representative of the FC United matchday programme said: "Liam was a very popular lad and his death has stunned all those lucky enough to have known him.

"He loved United, both of them, and was completely obsessed with sport. A very good journalist, he often came to our rescue over the years by writing high quality articles for the programme at very short notice and with no fuss.

"He built up a good relationship with manager Karl Marginson through his reports for the Bury Times and we were all devastated to hear of his death.

"He was so proud of his daughter and was loving his role as a father. This is such sad news and we can’t begin to imagine how his family is feeling. We offer our sincerest condolences.

"The press boxes of English football have lost a genuine talent and he will be greatly missed by all involved in the game he loved."