Obituary: Former Rochdale Hornets chairman David Vining dies

Former Rochdale Hornets chairman and lifelong supporter, David Vining died on Tuesday (7 May).

David Vining was born into the Rochdale Hornets club. In the 1950s, he was taken to games at the Athletic Grounds by his father Edward who was Hornets' club doctor. It was the start of a relationship that would last almost 70 years. 

David joined the Hornets board in March 2000 and took on the role of chairman towards the end of 2005 following the death of Ray Taylor. He remained involved at board level until the change of administration in 2009 and was conferred a life-membership in recognition of his contribution. It was once estimated that he had ploughed around £250,000 of his own funds into the club.

David remained a regular supporter at games until very recently and was always happy to talk rugby league with his fellow fans.

In an interview in 2009 he spoke for all Hornets supporters when he said: "One of my big bugbears is when I see people in Rochdale and Littleborough walking around with Wigan, Bradford and Leeds shirts on. I would invite those rugby league fans to get involved with Hornets, come and watch us. They will be pleasantly surprised... I would say to them put away your Super League shirts for a week or two, come and watch Hornets and I am sure you will find it a much more enjoyable experience."

David was a genuine stalwart of the Hornets club. He will be sadly missed.