'Eccentric' ex-Hull City owner had big ambitions

Former Hull City owner Don Robinson "passed away peacefully" at the age of 91 on Thursday morning, Scarborough Athletic said

An "eccentric" former Hull City owner who dreamed of putting the football club on the moon has died.

Don Robinson, from Scarborough, died aged 91 on Thursday and was well-known for being chairman of Hull City after he purchased the club in 1982.

Mr Robinson was remembered for his bold moves, creating Tiger Cola, the club's soft drink, and even riding around Boothferry Park on a white horse.

Garreth Roberts, the former Tigers' captain during Mr Robinson's ownership of the club, said: "He was a showman, he was absolutely brilliant, he was a journalist's dream because of some of the ambitions he had for the club."

Hull City announced Mr Robinson's death with "great sadness" on Thursday and described him as an "eccentric businessman".

"Famously, Don rode around Boothferry Park on a white horse and claimed Hull City would be the first team to play on the moon, while also securing lucrative commercial partnerships with Tiger Cola and Twydale Turkeys," their statement read.

'Larger than life'

After purchasing the club, Mr Robinson appointed Colin Appleton as manager and "immediately oversaw success", earning promotion from Division Four in their first season after a second-placed finish.

Two seasons later, Hull City secured promotion to Division Two in 1985, led by player-manager Brian Horton.

After seven-and-a-half years in charge of the Tigers, Mr Robinson left the club in 1989.

"We would like to express our heartfelt condolences to Don's family and friends at this sad time," the club added.

Speaking on BBC Radio Humberside, Roberts said he was as "mad as a hatter".

"He was a larger-than-life character and it was so sad to hear of his passing," he said.

Speaking about Mr Robinson's decision to ride around Boothferry Park on a white horse, Roberts added: "He didn't do anything by halves, he was giving it the full works.

"His arm was up in the air, he had his hat off and was going at a fair gallop."

Mr Robinson was also known for being a wrestling promoter and for having two spells as chairman of Scarborough Athletic during the 70s and 80s.

The club described his time as chairman as a "golden era" and said he was a "well respected local and international businessman" who would be remembered for "his passion and enthusiasm".

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