Hundreds of messages
It has been less than five hours since we announced the incredibly sad news of Vice-Chairman Colin Farmer's death and already there have been hundreds of messages of condolence.Tributes have been pouring in all day for a great man who did so much for the club.
Club Secretary, Director and Colin's close friend Paul Godfrey had these words to say about Colin's impact on the club and his sentiments have been echoed by many people through social media, emails and calls to the club.
Manager Gary Johnson has commented, " I was absolutely devastated to hear the news. He was a fantastic bloke and has been a wonderful colleague and friend. Me and my family have grown very close to Colin and he will be a great loss to everyone that knew him. So from Me, my wife Caron and my mother-in-law Janette, our thoughts go to his lovely family at this time."
Club Captain Aaron Downes added, " It's horrible news. Colin was absolutely brilliant in doing so much for us all. He was the driving force behind bringing the Gaffer to the club and what a decision that was. He was nothing but an absolute gentleman and was really passionate about Cheltenham Town Football Club, always putting the club first. He was such a nice, genuine guy who I hold very dearly in my thoughts. It is a complete shock. On behalf of all of the players I send our sincerest condolences to his family and friends. This is a very sad day in history of our club."
It's not only those at the club now who have been sending in messages, former Robins Keeper Scott Brown tweeted, " My thoughts and prayers are with Colin's family. He was a fantastic man and a friend who couldn't do enough for the club."
Former press officer James Brown has said, " Colin was a great friend and supporter to me during my time at the club, I am absolutely devastated. I'm going to miss you Colin!" before adding, " My love and thoughts are with Colin's family right now. He was one in a million."
Current goalkeeping coach and former Cheltenham player Steve Book tweeted, " Absolutely gutted to hear the news about Colin. He was true friend to me. My thoughts and prayers go to Colin's family, it's a sad day. RIP Colin."
The sheer number of messages and the emotion in them clearly demonstrate the popularity of one of the clubs unsung heroes. We owe him a lot and he will never be forgotten.
Thank you Colin.