West Bromwich Albion president John Silk has passed away at the age of 89.

The former Baggies chairman died on Tuesday morning after a short illness.

Silk was initially appointed as a West Brom director in 1984 and was made the club president in 2003 after serving as the chairman between 1988 and 1992.

"John was very proud to be club president and took his duties very seriously," current chairman Jeremy Peace told the club's official website.

"Until his illness, he was a constant presence at home and away matches. Notably, he was in attendance for our 2-1 win at Old Trafford in September.

"John was a quiet but very honourable man and he will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time."

A minute's applause was observed ahead of West Brom's Premier League game against Newcastle United at The Hawthorns on Wednesday afternoon.