THE much-loved former chairman of Forest Green Rovers, Trevor Horsley, has died after a long illness.

The 63-year-old, steered Rovers to two promotions and a Wembley appearance.

Mr Horsley was chairman of the Nailsworth club from 1992 to 2012.

A statement released by his family said: “It is with deep sadness the family of Trevor Horsley, the ex-Chairman of Forest Green Rovers FC, regrettably announce to his many friends and past colleagues that he died in London on the evening of Monday March 18, after a long illness.

“Mr Horsley (63) was instrumental in the growth of the Nailsworth-based Gloucestershire club from the early 90s and will be remembered with much admiration by many associated not only with the club itself; but a multitude of people across the football world, through his connections with The National League, whom he served for several years as a board director and of course his life long devotion to his beloved Leeds United; and a much-travelled supporter of the England national team.

“Trevor was a true gritty Yorkshireman and made his home in the Stroud Valleys, when he moved his business Western Thermal Limited, into Stonehouse in the late 1980s.

“Details of funeral arrangements will be notified in due course.”

More to follow.