FORMER York City chairman Steve Beck has passed away at the age of 58.

Beck, who held the top position at Bootham Crescent after the Supporters’ Trust gained ownership of the club in 2003, died peacefully at York & District hospital this afternoon following a long battle with heart problems.

The Riccall-based accountant was a key figure during the fight to save the club during the ill-fated Douglas Craig and John Batchelor eras.

He was also a former Trust chairman and City’s youth and fans’ liaison director before resigning from the board in January 2009.