Wycombe Wanderers manager Gareth Ainsworth has paid tribute to a much loved supporter who has recently passed away.
Alana ‘Lana’ Hurford died at the age of 29 on New Year’s Eve 2021 [Friday, December 31], following a short battle with an undisclosed illness.
Following her passing, the club have revealed that they have contacted Alana’s family to offer their full support ‘in any way possible’, and have stated that her family has requested for privacy during this sad time.
Gareth Ainsworth on Lana Hurford:
— Wycombe Wanderers (@wwfcofficial) January 6, 2022
"Lana was a brilliant, brilliant supporter. She was right there at the start when I came in, always making the noise with that group behind the goal that grew and grew and became a family. I was terribly sad to hear that she'd passed away." pic.twitter.com/7wR4mDo6lt
The club have also announced that they are working on plans for a special tribute for Alana, which will take place on January 15, when Wanderers host Oxford United in the M40 Derby.
Reminiscing about the popular fan, Ainsworth said: “Lana was a brilliant, brilliant supporter.
“She was right there at the start when I came in, always making the noise with that group behind the goal that grew and grew and became a family.
“I was terribly sad to hear that she'd passed away."
💙 may her memory be a blessing to her family and friends https://t.co/MPAplFKqHK
— Rob Couhig (@RCouhig) January 6, 2022
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"She came up to me a few years ago and said thank you for turning the club around and propelling us up the leagues. I said it's not just us. "You, Lana, and your friends have played a massive part of this success story of Wycombe Wanderers.
“Rest in peace."
The game against Oxford United on January 15 will kick-off at 3pm.
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