He had led BUSA since 2006 – alongside his wife Pauline as secretary – and worked on a number of projects in conjunction with the football club during the following years.

Following the announcement of stadium plans in 2013, the Chapmans worked tirelessly in their support of the planning application for the club's new ground, which opened its doors for the first time in December 2020, and were instrumental in a number of donations for pieces of equipment over the years.

United chairman David Newton said: "We are all still numb, having learned of Glen's passing. I was only chatting to him and Pauline on the telephone a couple of days before Christmas, and he was recovering well from a bout of the Covid-19 virus, but was still keen to talk about how BUSA could help at the present time.

"Glen was not only a true supporter of the club and chair of BUSA, but was one of the nicest people you could meet and I always felt better after a meeting or chat with Glen. His support of the club never wavered, even through the difficult period before we took over in 2007.

"Between us, we always tried to ensure that any donation from the Supporters Association benefited the fans in some way. He was always very dedicated and professional in his role with BUSA, as well as in his role as Business Support Manager at South Holland District Council.

"Above all he was also a devoted husband to Pauline, and a loving father and grandfather. Glen will be greatly missed by us all, but at the present time our thoughts and prayers are with Pauline, Amy, John and Harry plus his wider family and friends."

A minute's silence in honour of Glen will be held prior to Tuesday evening's home fixture against Kettering Town.

From a BUSA perspective, vice-chairman Pat Everitt said: "The news that Glen had been taken seriously ill and the subsequent news of his death was both very sudden and very saddening.

"I have known Glen since I joined the BUSA committee many years ago and we had become firm friends and drinking buddies before and after games.

"His dedication to BUSA was unwavering from dashing around the ground selling Golden Goal tickets to liaising with the club chairman to ensure BUSA funds were spent wisely and ensure it kept a strong influence within Boston United.

"Glen, and of course Pauline, have taken BUSA to an excellent position both in terms of membership numbers and finances. He will be a very hard act to follow for whoever takes on the challenge.

"Glen and Pauline had recently told us of their intention to stand down at the end of this season to spend more time with their family. At this time, it is Pauline and the family who we must think about and send them all our wishes for the strength they are going to need to make sense of his untimely death.

"I am sure Glen will be looking down on the team and continue cheering them on from above."

PIC: Glen Chapman (right) is photographed with Pat Everitt (left) presenting club historian Ken Fox with the BUSA special recognition award in 2019.