Former Raith Rovers chairman Turnbull Hutton dies aged 68

Turnbull Hutton (right) celebrates winning the Scottish Challenge Cup in 2014 with Raith Rovers manager Grant Murray

Former Raith Rovers chairman Turnbull Hutton has died after a short illness.

Hutton, 68, had recently been diagnosed with leukaemia and died on Sunday after going into an Edinburgh hospital just over a week ago, the club said.

Following two spells as chairman of the Scottish Championship side, he announced in November he would be stepping down at the end of the year.

Rovers said their honorary president would be "sorely missed", adding: "Today, we are all Turnbull Hutton."

The statement added: "Raith Rovers FC are sorry to announce that our honorary president and former chairman Turnbull Hutton passed away last night.

"Our thoughts are with his family, particularly his wife Margo, his son Neil and daughter Lindsey and all his many friends in football and business."

Hutton was known as an outspoken chairman, often critical of the Scottish football establishment.

He led opposition against a proposal to place Rangers in the second tier of Scottish football after they suffered financial problems that eventually led the Glasgow club to the bottom tier.

Scottish Professional Football League chief executive Neil Doncaster said: "We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Turnbull Hutton.

"I was fortunate enough to get to know Turnbull during the period of reconstruction and since. He was an individual who added great colour and personality to the Scottish game and has made a tremendous contribution to both Raith Rovers and to Scottish football in general over the years.

"The thoughts of everyone at the SPFL are with the family and close friends of Turnbull at this very sad time."

Hutton gave up his role as chairman following news the Kirkcaldy club had announced a profit of £97,500 - a 20% increase - for the year to June 2014.

The retired former drinks industry director joined the Rovers board in 2000.

Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, a Raith Rovers supporter, also released a statement.

He said: "Turnbull Hutton will be sorely missed. A lifelong supporter of Raith Rovers he will be remembered for his dedicated leadership of the club and his winning approach to football.

"While other clubs went under or stayed in the red, Turnbull Hutton's financial acumen steered Raith Rovers to financial stability, paving the way for its Ramsden's Cup trophy win against Rangers under his chairmanship.

"Even after he stepped down as chairman he remained honorary president of the club he supported since growing up in Fife.

"Our thoughts are with his wife Margo and family."