A FOOTBALL team fell silent after saying goodbye to two of their biggest fans on the same day.

Supporters and players of Hanborough Football Club held a minute’s silence at their game on Saturday, September 10, to honour stalwarts John Oliver and Tony Greenway. Players also wore black armbands out of respect.

Mr Oliver, owner of a garage and body shop in Long Hanborough, was the first president of the club and died on September 9 from pneumonia.

Fellow supporter Mr Greenway died the same day and was described as a “real one-off”.

Club secretary Steve Keylock said: “It was very sad to lose them both in the same day. They were in their 70s but it was still a shock.

“They were both village men who would do anything for the community.”

Mr Oliver, 75, became club president about 15 years ago and was also heavily involved with the village bowls club.

Mr Keylock said: “John put a lot of time and effort into local clubs.

“He was a very talented man – he could do oil paintings, carving, glass engravings. He made weather vanes and metal pieces for the club.

“He was always generous with his time and a practical joker.”

Mr Oliver leaves behind his wife Kitty, two children and seven grandchildren.

Fellow lifelong supporter Mr Greenway, 70, was a familiar face at the club, serving at the bar, painting dressing rooms and doing other odd-jobs. He passed away from a chest infection.

Mr Keylock said: “Tony was one of those few people who said exactly what he thought. If you played rubbish, he’d tell you so.

“He was one of those guys who did a lot in the background but didn’t want any recognition.

“If he saw a piece of litter, he would pick it up and if something needed painting he’d paint it.”

Mr Greenway leaves his wife Sue, two sons and grandchildren.

Mr Oliver’s funeral takes place tomorrow at St Peter and St Paul’s Church in Long Hanborough at 11.30am. Mr Greenway’s takes place at the same church on Thursday at 1pm.