Doreen Ashton: 1932-2023

Everyone associated with Lincoln City Football Club offers their condolences to the family of Doreen Ashton, who passed away peacefully in the early hours of Friday morning.

Doreen became an iconic figure at the Imps over her many decades of volunteering, alongside her beloved husband George.  
 
She ran the catering points around Sincil Bank, selling her iconic homemade cheese and onion rolls, as well as selling snacks on coaches travelling to away games. She repurposed any unsold pies to share with players for their post-match meals. 
 
Doreen, alongside George, was a regular at matches for as long as her health allowed - and continued to show her support from afar while listening to matches via BBC Radio Lincolnshire. The couple could trace their attendance at games back to the 1930s. 
 
She was described as a mother figure around the club, particularly those who travelled on official coaches to away games, but prepared to be stern when needed to the younger elements of the fanbase. 
 
Doreen was also never far from her lucky teddy bear - named Grant after her favourite Imps player, Grant Brown. 
 
She is survived by husband George, son Chris, daughter in law Wendy and granddaughter Davinia. 

Lincoln City chief executive Liam Scully said: "The term club legend is never more appropriate than for Doreen, who leaves an incredible legacy and impact at Lincoln City Football Club.
 
"On a personal level, Doreen and the whole Ashton family made me feel incredibly welcome since joining the Imps with their warmth, love and affection afforded to my own young family, who were regularly the recipients of extra Easter eggs, Christmas presents or, most importantly, a friendly chat and a cuddle. The thoughts of everyone at the club are with George, Chris and the rest of the Ashton family at this time."