Former Barrow AFC chairman Brian Keen was paid his last respects following his death.

Mr Keen led a consortium of businessmen that rescued the Cumbrian club from bankruptcy in 1999.

He was later given the honorary role of life president of the club.

Barrow AFC described Mr Keen as a “true gentleman” who would be missed by all at the Holker Street ground.

“The thoughts of everyone here at Barrow are with Brian’s family and friends at this difficult time,” the club said.

At the clash with Port Vale on Tuesday, the players wore black armbands and a minute’s silence was held.

Current Barrow AFC chairman Paul Hornby said Mr Keen offered him a lot of support when he joined the club.

“At that time, when the club was facing a really uncertain future and was a really lonely place, it was reassuring to have Brian there,” he told BBC Radio Cumbria.

“Having him there, the elder statesman, was a wonderful experience. You just had the feeling that you were no longer alone.”

After being saved from extinction, the Bluebirds were promoted to the National League in 2008 and won the FA Trophy at Wembley two years later.

The EFL sent its condolences to Mr Keen’s “family, friends and everyone associated with Barrow AFC”.

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