We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of long term volunteer and stalwart supporter of the club John Bridson.

John would often be one of the first to greet fans, players, staff and officials to Nethermoor on a matchday in his role as a steward.

This welcome always came with the brightest smile and the most positive outlook. Many messages have been received by the family from present and past players, managers and staff which is great testament to how much John is loved.

John passed away peacefully after a brave and resilient battle on Saturday 24th June 2023 at the age of 68.

He first started supporting the club in the 90s, making the trip to Wembley twice and following the Lions up and down the country to the present day.

He brought his oldest son David to the games and ‘soccer schools’ in the same decade, David would go on to write match reports for the Wharfedale Observer in the press box alongside Rachel O’Connor before then achieving a degree in journalism at UCLAN.

John then made sure to bring his youngest son Adam to games and the duo attended close to, if not over, 1000 Lions matches over the years both home and away.

Adam would then also go on to volunteer both alongside his Dad on a match day and in the Media Team.

The volunteering continued in the family with wife Lynn working in the Club Shop for a short time as it was the only way she could see her husband of 42 years on a Saturday afternoon!

He first started volunteering over 10 years ago as a Matchday Steward and proudly carried out his role with the upmost professionalism and joy until his death.

John was more than just a steward, he would do anything to help the club and held a position on the Supporters’ Club Committee from it’s formation to the present day.

John and Adam were even called upon to roll the pitch to ensure the game with Barrow in November 2015 could go ahead. Mark Bower’s side would go on to win 3-1 with John so proud of his work and thanked by all the players and staff.

He lived and breathed Guiseley AFC and rarely missed a game whether it be at Nethermoor or away at Torquay on a Tuesday night in all conditions, John and his smile would be there to greet the players and everyone else.

Following the promotion to the National League John attended a BBC Radio Leeds Guiseley special alongside his son Adam, Adie Towers, Sue Clapham and Nik Keefe to discuss the history making moment.

Originally from Liverpool John was a proud Evertonian for all of his life and was even a steward for several years at Goodison Park. He was delighted when the Lions lined up against Everton U23s in the past two pre-season friendly campaigns.

He was first and foremost a family man always putting other people before himself and loved being a part of the Guiseley AFC and non league football family.

John will be sorely missed at Nethermoor and a tribute to him will be carried out at the pre-season friendly against Barnsley on Tuesday 11th July as well as in the pre-season programme.

Our thoughts go out to John’s wife Lynn, sons David and Adam and daughter Joanne as well as all his family and friends of which there are plenty.

The family would like to see as many people as possible at the funeral on Monday 17th July and at John’s final trip past Nethermoor with full details below.

The cortege will pass Nethermoor at 11:30am with a short stop outside our home.

The funeral will start at 12:15pm at Rawdon Crematorium leaving plenty of time for those who wish to attend both Nethermoor and the service.

John would always like people to feel happy so please wear what you find the most comfortable with shorts and football shirts welcomed.

The celebration of John’s life will continue at the clubhouse from 1pm at Nethermoor.

Family flowers only, donations on the day to Guiseley Community Foundation in John’s memory will be gratefully accepted.

If you cannot attend the service on the day please email adam.bridson@guiseleyafc.co.uk for live stream details.

Thank you John for all your hard work and dedication to the club over the years, you will be greatly missed by everyone at the club.