THE Bemerton Heath Harlequins have paid a heartfelt tribute to their vice chairman following his death.

Clive 'Leo' Leonard was one of the seven members who founded the football club in May of 1989.

Since then, Clive was an "immense pillar" to both the club and the community and he will be sadly missed.

He ran the club alongside his best friend of over 50 years Steve Slade, who is the current chairman.

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The football club described its loss as "incalculable".

A club spokesperson said: "It is with great sadness that the club has to announce that Clive Leonard or Leo as everyone knew him has passed away after a short illness".

"He was one of the seven members of this club who was a guarantor and enabled the bank to release funds to build the ground and clubhouse.

"The loss to this club is incalculable but his loss to Fi and his family is even greater and we send our sincere condolences to them."

A minute of silence to reflect on what Clive did for the club was held before the home game against Fareham Town at Moon Park on Saturday, February 25.