West Brom president Silk dies aged 89

London: West Bromwich Albion club president John Silk has died at the age of 89 following a short illness, the Premier League club announced on Wednesday.

Silk served as club chairman between 1988 and 1992 before succeeding the late Bert Millichip as president in 2003. "John was very proud to be club president and took his duties very seriously," said chairman Jeremy Peace. "Until his illness, he was a constant presence at home and away matches. Notably, he was in attendance for our 2-1 win at Old Trafford (against Manchester United) in September. "John was a quiet but very honourable man and he will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time." West Brom announced that they would observe a minute`s applause in memory of Silk, who died on Tuesday, prior to their Premier League home game with Newcastle United later on Wednesday.