A former Manchester United director credited with bringing Sir Alex Ferguson to the club - and who held a host of other top sporting and business roles - has died aged 79.
Maurice Watkins CBE spent almost 30 years at Old Trafford, with his other roles including head of sport law for Brabners Solicitors in Manchester, interim chairman of the Rugby Football League and director of Lancashire County Cricket Club.
Mr Watkins was the man who appointed Sir Alex back in 1986 - and is credited with persuading him to stay on as manager when he threatened to leave in 2001.
He also represented high-profile clients that included Eric Cantona, after his infamous kung-fu kick on a fan at a Crystal Palace match.
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Mr Watkins' later roles included being appointed chairman of British Swimming in 2012, and the LEN legal committee - which saw him meet The Pope at the Vatican in 2018.
He was made a CBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours list of 2011, and was involved in fund raising for the NHS Royal Manchester Children's Hospital Charity for more than 15 years.
Nik White, managing partner at Brabners, where Maurice Watkins was a partner for almost 15 years, said: “We’re all deeply saddened by the news. Maurice had a truly glittering career and was a towering figure in the world of sport, both nationally and beyond.
“He played a crucial role in establishing the standards that professionalised and improved sport, and that continue to have a positive impact today. He was also tirelessly committed to a number of charitable causes, particularly the NHS.
“More than that though, Maurice was a true character and gentlemen; and a great friend and colleague who made a huge contribution to Brabners, not just with his client work and by mentoring colleagues but also as an ambassador for our firm.
“Our thoughts are with Maurice’s family at this difficult time.”
British Swimming made a statement about Mr Watkins' death on Monday morning.
Jack Buckner, CEO, said: "I have been fortunate to experience Maurice's personal dignity and humility. He has been a leader of deep wisdom and patient intelligence, the wise steward at the heart of the sport.
"Even in his last days, his total focus was on Tokyo and the great events which unfolded there. Maurice, a piece of these medals belong to you.
"Thanks for your massive contribution to British Swimming and everything you have done for British sport."
Joining the club in 1984, solicitor Mr Watkins left Manchester United in 2012 to pursue other sporting interests.
Further roles for solicitor Mr Watkins saw him become chairman at Barnsley FC for four years between 2013 and 2017.
Paying tribute, Sally Munday, CEO of UK Sport, said: “I was so saddened to hear about Maurice.
"My thoughts are with his family and friends. Maurice was so well known in the sporting community and the sheer variety of sports that he was involved in throughout his life goes some way to showing the impact he had on the British sporting landscape.
"As chair of British Swimming, he must have been immensely proud of the success that Britain’s aquatics athletes had in Tokyo in the recent weeks. He will be sorely missed.”
