Sittingbourne director Peter Pitts has died following a short illness, the club have announced.

Pitts, the twin brother of fellow director John, was a hugely popular figure after many years’ service in a variety of roles.

The twins joined Sittingbourne in the late-1990s to help then-chairman Andy Spice rescue the club after they went into administration.

Peter was the instigator of many grants and established one of the first club websites in non-league football.

He was also the press officer and programme editor, as well as the Tannoy announcer.

There will be a minute’s applause before tonight’s pre-season friendly at home to Folkestone (7.45pm).

A Brickies statement said: “Sittingbourne Football Club have heartbreaking news to bring to you all in that Peter Pitts, club director, sadly passed away yesterday morning after a short illness.

“Peter dedicated a huge part of his life to the club and without him the club would not be where it is today.

“Whilst we are still processing this sad and shocking news ourselves, we send our heartfelt condolences to Helen, Graham (Peter’s children), John, Sandra (sister-in-law) and the rest of the family.

“There will be a minute’s applause prior to kick-off for our game against Folkestone this evening.”

Brickies vice-chairman Andrew Marjeram is among those to have paid tribute to club legend Pitts, who lost his wife of 48 years, Jackie, in April.

Marjeram said: “Absolutely devastated on this. Peter was one of the nicest people I’ve had not only the pleasure to meet with – but to work with.

“He has done so much not just for the football club, but from every aspect of his life.

“Without him the club wouldn’t be here today.

“It makes us all even more determined to continue all the hard work Peter has done.

“He will be sorely missed.”

Sittingbourne manager Ryan Maxwell said: “It’s terrible, terrible news - devastating.

“What a lovely man, an absolutely lovely, lovely human being and I’m just double, double sad.

“He was just getting over the loss of his wife as well.

“I’m devastated. He was incredibly nice and supportive when I was first appointed at Sittingbourne and I’ll never forget that.

“He obviously loved the club and had a long association with the club and we as a club are all devastated.

“My best wishes to all of his family. They’re all in our thoughts.”

Tony Rickson, former sports editor of the old East Kent Gazette newspaper in Sittingbourne, knew Pitts for many years.

He said: “Sittingbourne Football Club owes an enormous debt to Peter and his twin brother John, who volunteered to help out when it was needed most and have reliably and energetically carried on with their contributions for many more years since.

“Peter was a lovely, kind, generous and popular man who loved his football but loved his family even more.”