Barnsley FC have announced the death of their former owner Patrick Cryne.
The 66-year-old died this weekend after battling cancer since November 2016. He had sold the club to a consortium headed by Chinese billionaire Chien Lee last month, following 14 years of ownership at Oakwell.
Cryne is credited with saving his hometown club from possibly folding in 2003.
A club statement read: "Since taking control in 2003, Mr Cryne has been held in the highest of regards both at Barnsley Football Club and across the footballing world. Born and raised in the town of Barnsley, Mr Cryne's earliest footballing memories date back to over 60 years ago where a first appearance at Oakwell with his Uncle Ernest caught the imagination, allowing for a lifetime of dedication to Barnsley Football Club in any way possible.
"This dedication and love, truly earned Patrick the tag as 'one of our own.' Mr Patrick Cryne will be deeply and sadly missed by everybody connected to the Club and we are all sending our deepest condolences to his wife Jean, son James and the rest of his close family.
"The club fully acknowledges that this news will be deeply upsetting to many people but we ask for privacy at this painful time."
