Bemerton Heath Harlequins has announced the death of a long-serving patron of the club at the age of 73. 

Shirley Bailey, who was born in 1951, served the club since it was founded 35 years ago.

The club produced a special programme in her memory, and in two matches last month the club's senior men's teams wore black armbands to pay their respects. 

The club said: "Shirley was the face that everyone knew in the Boardroom/Moon Room as hostess.

"Her smile and personality shone out amongst all comers and she was a favourite of all players past and present."

In a statement shared on social media, the club said that Shirley had also been association with the Harlequins' predecessor Bemerton Athletic for 20 years.

It added that she was born and bred 200 yards away from the ground at Western Way, and that she was the youngest of three sisters. Shirley dedicated most of her free time to the club except when with her two sons Kevin and Steve and their families.

The club added: "The Harlequins won't be the same without Shirley and our thoughts are with her family at this difficult time."

'I still can't believe she is gone'

Club president Steve Slade said: "It is comforting to me to read all lovely comments about our Shirl or Bailers as some of us affectionately called her and know you all felt the same as me.

"Shirl and I worked the bar together on busy nights from day one at the club for over 35 years. She could always be relied upon and was loved by my regulars and everyone in the club. She was such a good friend to me.

"Shirl never expected any recognition for what she did but did it out of love for the club and her passion for football. Many may have forgotten but in the past she also washed all the player's kits as well as being the best hostess we could have.

"The players loved her and she would always give them her opinions on the game - good or bad!

"I still can’t believe she is gone my heart goes out to her family. A fitting tribute to Shirl would be for all of us to get the club back up on its feet after all we have gone through in the past couple of years and be the successful club serving the community and supporting local football talent from young children all the way through to men’s and women’s football."

Ricky Rogers, the club's chairman, added: "I am struggling to take in this huge loss to our club.

"I think I was 18 when I played a few seasons for Bemerton Athletic in the Wilts League, Shirley was there then with her sister Carol making everyone welcome.

"Shirley was always there, a fantastic ambassador for our club and grassroots football. 

"I have no time for the outdated, corrupt Honors System, [but] Shirley would the first name on my list, I don't know how yet but we have got to recognise Shirley's unmeasurable contribution to our Club and our Community.

"My deepest condolences to Kevin, Steven and all the family."