CHELTENHAM Town have voiced their support after learning that Wanderers supporter Iain Purslow had passed away following their abandoned League One encounter on Saturday.

The Gloucestershire side have offered their condolences after it was confirmed that lifelong Bolton supporter Ian Purslow had passed away overnight, having suffered a suspected heart attack.

Both clubs agreed to postpone the game on Saturday as Mr Purslow was being treated by medical professionals, a process which lasted more than half an hour.

“Cheltenham Town Football Club are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the supporter who was taken ill at yesterday's away fixture against Bolton Wanderers,” a statement read.

“Iain Purslow, 71, was a lifelong Whites fan and was at the game with his son Stuart, when he suffered a suspected cardiac arrest during the first half.

“Iain was given CPR treatment by medical staff and paramedics before being taken to hospital where he sadly lost his life.

“The thoughts of everyone at Cheltenham Town are with Iain's family, loved ones and the Bolton Wanderers community at this deeply sad time.

“The club would also like to thank the travelling supporters at the game for their cooperation and understanding following the distressing incident.”

The game was abandoned at 0-0 after 29 minutes of play and will now be rescheduled for later in the season.

Wanderers – who are still competing in the FA Cup and Bristol Street Motors Trophy – have few guaranteed midweek slots available between now and the end of the season.

The club dropped to third place in League One after the last round of results, with Peterborough United replacing them in the automatic promotion positions.

Ian Evatt said in the build up to the Cheltenham game that he is unconcerned with how the league looks at this stage of the campaign.

“The only table I care about is the one I’ll see after the Peterborough game on April 27,” he said. “Until then, we can’t afford to focus on anything else but ourselves and the next game in the run.

“I trust my players, I trust the whole squad, and we will be doing everything we can to make sure we are up there.”