IT will be a poignant afternoon at Railway Meadow on Saturday when Dalton United pause to remember Chris Holme.

News of the former Dalton defender’s death at the age of 30 reached the club this week, with many involved in both on and off-field capacities paying tribute to a larger-than-life character who made a big impact during his time in the red and black shirt.

Dalton chairman and former player Graham Bickerstaff was just one person who paid tribute to Holme, remembering one occasion where his passion shone through even though he was not playing in that particular fixture.

“The first team were playing away at Longridge, who had already been promoted, and Chris wasn’t actually playing, but he was stood on the sidelines,” recalled Bickerstaff.

“It was quite a competitive game and Dalton got a late winner, and apparently Chris was running on the pitch celebrating with a can of cider which went all over the players. He loved football and loved life.

“A lot of people are upset and there have been a lot of messages on our club WhatsApp group from people putting nice things about Chris.”

Holme began his career at Dalton playing for their A-team, swiftly working his way up to the senior side under the management of Paul Bradley and establishing himself as a commanding presence in defence.

Although work commitments meant he had stopped playing for United in recent seasons, Holme could still count many of the current squad as friends and had even been in touch about making a possible comeback prior to his passing.

“He hadn’t played for us for three or four seasons because of work commitments and things like that, but he was a really big character,” said Bickerstaff.

“He was a really old-fashioned, tough-tackling defender, but always had a lot of positive things to say on and off the pitch.

“He was a big character around the club and he’s got a lot of friends who are still playing.

“He had been in touch with one of the managers a few months ago saying he was thinking of coming back and getting involved.”

On the field, Bickerstaff is pleased with the progress Dalton are making in West Lancashire League Division Two under manager Andrew Marshall, although they face a tough test at home to unbeaten Leyland United on Saturday.

Both sides will hope to avoid a repeat of the ugly scenes which saw the reverse fixture abandoned back in October, with Leyland leading 5-4 after Dalton had been 4-1 up at half-time.

“As chairman, I’m really pleased with how the new manager has come on board,” said Bickerstaff. “He’s really keen on giving young players the opportunity.

“Training sessions are very good, he’s got a plan in place of where he wants to take the club.

“It’s not just a case of turning up, there’s a purpose behind what he’s doing in training and he has created an identity for Dalton.

“We realise it’s going to take time for everything to gel together because we seem to win a few and lose a few, but with young players that’s going to happen.”

Elsewhere in the division, there are local bragging rights at stake when Walney Island welcome Millom to Tummerhill, although the visitors’ focus will be on securing more points to aid their promotion push.

Furness Rovers host leaders Ladybridge in the top-versus-bottom clash, while Furness Cavaliers make the trip to fifth-placed Kendal United.

In the Premier Division, Vickerstown will aim to ease their relegation fears away to Southport Hesketh, and the day’s Division One action sees Askam United host Mill Hill St Peters and Crooklands Casuals at home to Kendal County. GSK Ulverston Rangers and Hawcoat Park travel to CMB and Hurst Green respectively.

Holker Old Boys are looking to continue their recent good form when they welcome promotion contenders Prestwich Heys in North West Counties League Division One.

And the pick of the day’s Furness Premier League action sees Rifleman’s Garage Premier Division leaders Hawcoat reserves host third-placed Kirkby United.