Tranmere Rovers pay tribute to key club figure Ben Harrison who has died aged 60

Tranmere Rovers have this afternoon announced the passing of a key figure at the club

Tranmere Rovers associate director Ben Harrison has died aged 60.

A statement released on Wednesday afternoon by Rovers announced the tragic loss of Harrison, who has served as the chairman of the Tranmere Rovers Supporters' Trust for 15 years.

Harrison was a hugely respected figure at Tranmere and played a key part in a number of projects, including the club's vision for a new state-of-the-art 'Tranmere Garden' project, which is due to be completed later this year, and the distribution of food parcels to residents in the local community during the height of the coronavirus pandemic.

Reacting to the major loss of a vital club figure, Tranmere chairman Mark Palios and vice chair Nicola Palios said: “In the 9 years since we have been back at the Club, Ben became a key member of the senior management team, a trusted advisor, but above all a personal friend to us both. He was absolutely key to the Club forging a fantastic working relationship with the Supporters’ Trust – something which is rare in football - and which has seen us collaborating so successfully on a number of projects, including support to the local community during Covid and beyond through the delivery of food parcels, the SWA2# community tickets scheme (now known as Nate’s Tickets).

"He dreamed big and was hands-on and indefatigable in bringing those dreams to life – as is so well exemplified by the new fan zone, which was his brain-child and something that many thought he would never be able to make happen. That building will stand as a permanent legacy to his vision and tenacity, and it is tragic that he never got to see it opened, although he was closely following its progress right up to the day of his passing.

"Although Ben became a personal friend, he was never afraid to challenge us when he disagreed with something, and we hugely valued his input, safe in the knowledge that he absolutely had the best interests of this great Club, and its fans, at heart.

"He lived his life with passion and compassion. He was a fearless champion for the underdog, but also a creative and astute businessman – a rare combination.

"When you meet people in life, one of the questions we always ask ourselves is 'Would you have them in the trenches with you?' and the answer in relation to Ben was a resounding “yes”. He stood up proudly for everything he believed in, he took on huge challenges and ran at them headlong. As Ben’s family so beautifully said, “He died as he lived, fearlessly and without compromise.”

"We will both miss him enormously, as will everyone at the Club. Rest in peace, Ben."

A separate statement released by the Tranmere Rovers Trust read: "It is with deep regret and a heavy heart that the Tranmere Rovers Trust have learnt of the passing of our chairman and friend, Ben Harrison.

"Ben was a selfless person who worked tirelessly on Trust and club projects, always putting others ahead of himself. He was the driving force behind so many initiatives that helped to support the club and the local community.

"His passion for the football club was unstinting; his vision and drive a constant motivation to us all. Our deepest sympathies are with Ben’s family. Ben will be greatly missed by us all."