Shock at sudden death of Sheffield's Owlerton Stadium boss

Mr Gilburn, a trained accountant, joined Owlerton in October 2007 and had been the mastermind behind plans for a £5 million banqueting and conference suit on the site.

Dave Allen, chairman of A&S Leisure Group, said: 'It is with great sadness and shock that I have to announce the sudden death of our friend and colleague John Gilburn, managing director of Owlerton Stadium.

'I know that you will join me in wishing his wife Rochelle and their children our deepest condolences at this difficult time.

'John will be sorely missed not only at the Stadium, but throughout the company and the industry at large and will be impossible to replace.'

Mr Gilburn had previously worked as manager of Belle Vue Grehound Stadium in Manchester and was elected chairman of the Race Course Promoters' Association at the start of this year.