SOCCER players observed a minute's silence at the weekend for a former solicitor and football director.

James Wilde, a former director of Burnley, Preston North End and, most recently Blackpool, football clubs, suffered a stroke at Blackpool's game against Fulham last week. He was taken to the Charing Cross Hospital where he died.

Fulham manager Kevin Keegan sent a message of condolence to the Bloomfield Road club where players observed a minute's silence before their game on Saturday.

Mr Wilde, whose funeral was due to take place in Blackpool today, served on the board at Burnley from 1978 to 1981.

He lived in Hapton and Burnley for many years and was a solicitor in Accrington until 1988 when he retired as senior partner in Whittaker, Pratt and Hudson, where his son Tony still works.

His other son Peter is a solicitor in Lancaster. Mr Wilde, a widower, also leaves a daughter, Jennifer, who flew back from Canada for the funeral.

For many years Mr Wilde prosecuted for Lancashire Constabulary and was a familiar face in courts all over the county.

Mr Wilde fought with distinction in the Second World War and was mentioned in despatches during his service in Greece and the Western Desert. He was awarded the MBE for his service in Sicily in 1943 and in 1945 he was given the American Bronze Star, Europe.

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