White Coppice Cricket Club has joined the world of cricket in paying tribute to legendary umpire John Smith, who has passed away.

John enjoyed a long relationship with the club, which is where his son Jeff has played more than 250 games over 17 seasons.

As well as being the President of the Palace Shield, John was awarded the Brian Costin Nompere Award for umpiring on no fewer than eight occasions.

White Coppice’s 1st XI captain Jake Smalley said: “Legend is an overused word but not when it comes to John Smith.

“He was Mr Cricket and was a regular visitor to the ground, where his son Jeff has served with such distinction.

“Umpiring is a thankless job but John carried it off with grace and was respected by everybody he met.

“We’re devastated by his loss but we’ll be celebrating his life and lifelong contribution to cricket when the time is right.”

White Coppice allrounder Ant Dark said: “John Smith gave me the most amazing unconditional support throughout my life playing cricket.

“It meant the world to me for him to see me collect my first trophy after five years out of the game.

“It’s destiny that I ended up with his son Jeff, playing for White Coppice Cricket Club. I will carry on making him proud. He gave me hope when I had none; time when I thought I had none; and love when I thought I had none.”

White Coppice team-mate Chris Maguire said: “Umpiring is a difficult job but John commanded everyone’s respect.

“He could defuse a confrontation with a quiet word or one of his disarming smiles.

“John loved cricket, whether that was umpiring, watching or talking about it.

“He will always be part of the White Coppice family, where his son Jeff is a club stalwart.”

Several other figures from the world of cricket have paid their own tributes.

Former Chorley captain Andy Holdsworth said: “Extremely sad news. A great man who was passionate about cricket. Great man.”

Former Chorley spinner Grav Dhar said: “Lovely man and umpire, a gentleman who always has a smile on his face.”

Ansh Bansal said: “Northern Pyramid and cricket in general is poorer today with the loss of this gigantic personality and cricketing mind. His contribution on and off the field, both to the league/organisations he was associated with and to the individuals, has been huge and unconditional.”

Gary Knight said: “The word legend is used way too much nowadays but John defined the word for Palace Shield and Northern League cricket. A truly wonderful man.”

Mick Kippax said: “Unbelievably sad news. A superb umpire but more than that, an absolute gentleman. He had such a passion for local cricket and everyone who played in the PS & NPL will miss his chats. RIP John.”

John was a former British Transport Police officer before serving with great pride as President of the Lancashire Association of Cricket Officials.

John joined the Palace Shield committee in 2006 as Discipline Chairman, was appointed Vice-Chairman in 2009, and in 2021 was elected President — a role he carried out with integrity, commitment, and passion for the game.

Funeral details will be shared once they are known.