Heart of gold

GORDON LAWTON . . . populur figure at SportsDirect.com Park who enjoyed a variety of roles

JOE Royle and Alan Hardy have led the heartfelt tributes to Gordon Lawton, Athletic's popular football secretary, who has died at the age of 63.

Castleton-born Lawton, known to many as 'Mr Oldham Athletic', started work at then-Boundary Park in 1986 when setting up a lottery in the commercial department.

Affectionately known as 'Gordy', he later held a number of positions at the club, including programme editor, club commentator and media manager.

News of his passing has been met with deep sorrow by many, including fellow Athletic legend Royle.

Royle, the club's manager during the 'pinch-me' seasons of the late 1980s and early '90s, said: "It's terrible news - a real shame. Gordon was part of the Latics legend at the time.

"He was a great character and we had some fun with the lads on away trips.

"Gordon had a tremendous sense of humour, with a deadpan face. He was a wind-up merchant.

"He was once said that he was a young goalkeeper for Rochdale, but no-one could see the net. He played the part as well.

"FANTASTIC"
"My heart goes out to his wife Lorraine."

Former chief executive Hardy recalls the early days of Lawton's involvement at Athletic.

He said: "It was in 1986 when I took on Gordon to help launch the lottery. He did some fantastic work on that. He was always very willing.

"A unique character, he was a lovely person with a heart of gold.

"Having worked with someone for 26 years, it makes for wonderful memories.

"I remember in the shop one Christmas. It was a busy time, there were late nights, and everyone was serving behind the counter.

"We decided to have a competition between ourselves to see who could sell the most mugs.

"Fans were coming in to buy shirts and scarves and we'd say to them 'what about a mug to go with it'? It was good fun and times such as those will never leave me.

"We kept in touch after I left in 2012. When he got the job as football secretary, he said can I call you for advice and I replied any time.

"I popped in during January when players were signing contracts in the transfer window, just to help him in some way.

"MISSED"
"Gordon will be sadly missed."

Athletic's staff were shocked and saddened by Lawton's passing.

Chief executive Mark Moisley said: "I'm just sat here devastated.

"It's been a real shock for everyone at the club. It's been such a sad place to be since we heard.

"Gordon was such a popular character and everybody here loved him.

"It's just been a well of tears. Everyone's thoughts and prayers are with his family at this sad time."