A MINUTE'S silence will be held on Boxing Day as a mark of respect for a football chairman who died suddenly on Wednesday.

Frank Ross, chairman of non-league Annfield Plain AFC, died of a suspected heart attack at the age of 73.

Players will wear black armbands during their Wearside League game against Sunderland Nissan, which kicks off at 11am.

Friends say Mr Ross - known as Franky - represented the club, both as a player and official and would be greatly missed.

Club spokesman Andrew Blackwell said: "He got straight to the point and always told you what he thought.

"He was well-liked at the club, so it came as a bit of a shock when we heard.

"He was a good player when he was younger and he always passed on his experience.

"He would always stay and have a few pints after a game, so we will have a few pints in his honour after the Boxing Day match."