Andrew Jenkins will receive an “incredible send-off” as the former Carlisle United owner and chairman’s funeral is held today.
Family, friends, colleagues and supporters will say farewell to Mr Jenkins, who died earlier this month aged 87.
Blues fans are invited to gather at the west stand side of Brunton Park as the long-serving director’s funeral cortege does a lap of the stadium.
The funeral vehicles will also visit Mr Jenkins’ business, Pioneer Foodservice, at Rosehill in Carlisle before the church service in his home village of Wetheral.
A large attendance is expected in respect of the man who was involved at United for 64 years and was a hugely respected figure in the community.
Carlisle United are closing their doors all day to allow staff to attend the funeral and pay their respects to Mr Jenkins.
Blues manager Paul Simpson says Mr Jenkins’ farewell will reflect his standing.
“He absolutely deserves that,” Simpson said.
“I think he’ll get an incredible send-off and it is absolutely deserved as well.”
Mr Jenkins has already been the subject of tributes at United games this summer.
A minute’s silence was held in his memory at Carlisle’s first pre-season friendly at Penrith.
A minute’s applause followed in the Blues’ game at Workington Reds, which was attended by several members of Mr Jenkins’ family, including his wife Diane.
United have said supporters who wish to pay respects to Mr Jenkins today should come to the west side of Brunton Park around 11am. The funeral cortege is expected to do a lap of the ground at about 11.15am.
It will then make its way to Pioneer, before heading to Wetheral Parish Church for the service at 12pm.
"The club will be closed all day as a mark of respect on Thursday 25 July to allow staff to attend the funeral, including the ticket office, admin offices and Blues Store,” United announced.
The legendary Blues director and Pioneer chairman was latterly chairman emeritus at the club. The EFL’s chief executive Trevor Birch said: “Andrew dedicated himself to the club, with over 60 years of service, and he will be sorely missed by everyone who had the pleasure to know him.”
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