Legendary servant of Morecambe Cricket Club for more than 60 years has died

A legend of Morecambe Cricket Club who gave 61 years of service including as captain, vice-chairman, chairman and president has died after a short illness.

Charlie Clough led the club to its first trophy in nearly 30 years as a player, and as chairman brought some of the biggest names in Test cricket to play at Woodhill Lane.

He was affectionately known as 'Mr Morecambe Cricket Club' and was one of the main driving forces behind transforming the club into having the facilities it has today.

Morecambe Cricket Club paid tribute to Charlie with a post on its Facebook page on Sunday.

"It is with huge sadness that we have learn about the passing of Charlie Clough this morning after a short battle with illness.

"The club would like to pass our sincere condolences to Tommy, Linda, Judith and Sandie and all the Clough family and friends,

"Charlie was involved at MCC for 61 years joining from Bare in 1963. He soon took over the captaincy and led Morecambe to its first trophy in nearly 30 years.

"1968 saw Charlie lead MCC to the league and cup double with a team which remain club legends. Playing over 200 1st team games Charlie scored over 3000 runs and plenty of wickets. He scored over 500 runs in the 1965 season.

"In addition to being 1st team captain Charlie was also vice chairman during the transformation of MCC.

"He then became chairman bringing players such as (Indian Test cricketers) Ravi Shastri and Chetan Sharma to Woodhill Lane. He was never afraid to let a pro know if they weren’t playing to his expected levels.

"Later he became club President, a role he held until November of last year.

"He was one of the men who helped transform the club with the building and later extensions to our facilities that we enjoy today at Woodhill Lane.

"A great legacy for C. E Clough.

"Charles Edward Clough , LEGEND, Mr Morecambe Cricket Club RIP."