TRIBUTES have been paid to the retired CEO of a football club remembered as a “wonderful and tireless” administrator.

Mike Spooner, former CEO of Langney Sports and Eastbourne Borough Football Club, died on Sunday evening after several months of ill health and being diagnosed with cancer last week aged 71. He had been involved with the football club for 26 years until he stepped down last week.

John Bonar, chairman of the Football Committee, said: “Mike was Mr Eastbourne Borough.

“He was pivotal to everything we have done and will be missed by everyone, not just in a football sense but just as a person.

“If you needed something, he would have been there.

“I have been involved with the club for a few years.

“He would always be there helping out.

“There are just too many memories to be honest.

“We will all pay our respects in our own way.”

Lee Peskett, a spokesman for Eastbourne Borough FC, said: “Our immediate thoughts, and all our love and condolences, go to his partner Sam and his daughter Abbie, as well as to other members of Mike’s family.

“For 26 years until stepping down last week, Mike was CEO of Langney Sports and Eastbourne Borough Football Club.

“That slightly pompous title utterly belied the unfussy, grounded and humble man that Mike was.

“We have this week lost a wonderful and tireless administrator, a wise counsellor, a man of integrity, energy, dedication and humour.

“We have lost a pillar of our football club, and a man without whose foresight and commitment this club would simply not be where it is today.

“And we have lost a dear friend.”

Football player Jay Lovett posted on social media: “So sad to hear a true gentleman and club legend at Eastbourne Borough FC, Mike Spooner, passed away yesterday.

“As a player when I broke my collar bone away to Basingstoke, he travelled with me to the hospital and when setting up Borough Academy, he was always there to help in any way he can and genuinely cared about what he did. Thank you Mike, you will be missed!”

Langney Wanderers FC posted on Facebook: “Condolences to Mike Spooner’s family, friends and all at Eastbourne Borough during this sad time. Mike will be sorely missed.”

Plans for Mike’s funeral will be announced in due course.