Our thoughts and best wishes go to Derek's family and his wider family at Northwich at this very sad time.
Derek attended the game on Tuesday night at Leek Town and was in excellent form. He epitomised everything in non league football - passion, commitment, hope and humour, and he will be sorely missed.
His commitment was evident on Tuesday evening where he was in attendance as Chairman and undertaking many other tasks including distributing the wages.
The Northern Premier and wider non league community rely on people like Derek and it will be a poorer for it after his passing.