JAN Stepek, the Polish migrant who founded a family electrical and travel agency chain before becoming a long-serving chairman of Hamilton Academical FC has died, aged 90.
Mr Stepek, whose Lanarkshire-based retail chain rose to fame as part of an unforgettable 1980s' television advertising campaign, was chairman of the Scottish First Division side for nearly 20 years on and off before resigning from the board in 2002.
It coincided with the collapse of his Stepek empire which at its height ran 22 electrical retail shops, eight travel agencies as well as shops selling furniture and carpets, and employed more than 300 people.
The club said they were "saddened" to learn of the death of Mr Stepek, who remains an honorary club president. A one-minute's applause in commemoration of his life will be held at the game against Raith Rovers today. The club added: "Our condolences go to all his family.".
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