Tributes have poured in for Castleford Tigers chairman Jack Fulton, who died on Tuesday at the age of 83.
Fulton, who spent 21 years on the board of the Tigers, became chairman in the early 1990s and led the team out at Wembley in 2014 as Castleford reached their first Challenge Cup final for 22 years.
Rugby Football League chief executive Nigel Wood said: “Quite simply Jack Fulton was Mr Castleford. It is undoubtedly true to say that without Jack’s support and encouragement Castleford Tigers wouldn’t be the club it is today.
“When the history of the club finally comes to be written, the name of Jack Fulton will feature heavily throughout its pages.
“I am so pleased that Jack was able to enjoy watching his beloved Castleford at Wembley last year in the Challenge Cup Final.
“Cas have lost a great supporter and rugby league has lost a fine and honourable man.
“Our heartfelt sympathies are extended to his widow Bridie and all Jack’s family.”
Fulton did much to keep Castleford afloat during their troubled times and news of his death came just hours after the club received final planning permission for a new stadium and announced a profit for 2014 of £445,000.
Castleford chief executive Steve Gill said: “Jack’s loss is immeasurable and we are honoured and thankful to have had Jack in our lives.
“He was my great friend, my shoulder, my inspiration. His life, his memory, and his love will live on in the story of Castleford Tigers. Jack doesn’t leave the Tigers when he dies, he leaves when we die. ”
Tigers head coach Daryl Powell said: “I would like to pay tribute to Jack, an outstanding man who’s done so much for Castleford Tigers over many years.
“Even when Jack was very poorly it was obvious how engaging and endearing he was as a person. He’ll be sadly missed by everyone at the club and my thoughts are with the Fulton family at this difficult time.”
State of Mind would like to pass on our condolences to family and friends