TRANMERE Rovers will host a memorial service to honour former chairman and owner Peter Johnson who passed away earlier this year.

Birkenhead-born Mr Johnson made his fortune running family-owned business Park Foods, a supplier of Christmas hampers.

He invested in Tranmere Rovers during the late 1980s and the club went on to rise from the foot of the Football League to the Championship.

Mr Johnson was also chairman of Everton until 1999.

He died in January 2024, aged 84. 

A spokesperson for Tranmere Rovers said: "Peter’s partner Mel and his daughters Susie, Kate and Charlotte, invite you to a tribute to Wirral’s inspiring patron, supporter and philanthropist.

"Peter, a Birkenhead boy turned hugely successful businessman, remained fiercely loyal to the place of his birth and came to the aid of Tranmere in its time of need, buying it out of administration in 1987.

"Under his ownership, the club not only avoided relegation out of the Football League on the last day of the season under the guidance of then manager, Johnny King, but then went on to propel the club to the most successful period in its history, rising to Division Two (now the Championship), achieving the play offs for the newly formed Premiership in three consecutive seasons, and making it to the League Cup Final.  

"Under Peter’s ownership, the club made five trips to Wembley, signed some of its most iconic players, including John Aldridge, Liam O’Brien, Gary Stevens and Pat Nevin, and created memories that will last a lifetime for those of the Super White Army  who were lucky enough to see it all unfold.

"It was Peter’s wish that any memorial tributes be made in the form of charitable donations to The Hive Youth Zone, Clatterbridge Cancer Charity or St John’s Hospice."

The service will be held at Prenton Park at 6pm on Friday, April 26 2024.

To confirm attendance go to: tranmererovers.co.uk