A FOOTBALL club has named one of its stands after a much loved former fan who died while on a night out in Worcester.

Bromsgrove Sporting FC has completed refurbishment work on the roof of the main stand at the Victoria Ground, naming it after Tom Jones, who tragically drowned in the city in 2018.

Club chairman Mike Burke said: "It was with great pleasure, pride and no little relief to have seen the finishing touches to the transformation of the main stand into The Thomas Jones Stand.

“Ever since that emotional night in October 2018, when it seemed that all of Bromsgrove came together to pay tribute to a great lad and a lovely family, I knew that Tom had to remain part of Bromsgrove Sporting and what better way than a stand bearing his name.

"It was the support from everyone at that match and the kindness of his parents, Ian and Vicki that gave us this opportunity.”

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“However, it has taken all this time for it to happen. The original idea was for a new stand at Town End but. in the present climate. that work has had to be put on hold. So the Main Stand was the obvious and, perhaps, more fitting option.

Vicki and Ian, Tom’s parents, said: “We are so proud that Bromsgrove Sporting have re-named the stand in Tom’s memory – a wonderful gesture and the most fitting tribute.

“Our most heartfelt thanks to the club, especially Mike Burke and Dave Sheppard, facilities manager, who have been an amazing support to us. We are thankful beyond words.”

In addition, the Club hopes to hold another match in memory of Tom once the coronavirus lockdown is over.

Last year, Tom's parents lent their support to the Home and Dry campaign aimed at increasing drowning awareness. For more information, go to westmerciasar.org.uk/homeanddry/