TRIBUTES have been paid to a Harwich stalwart who reached the upper echelons of the Football Association.

Jack Hayward who was a lifelong honorary member of the FA died peacefully on Saturday aged 96.

Mr Hayward, a devoted Tottenham Hostpur fan, had also been president of the Harwich Charity Football Club competition, Essex County Football Association and Clacton Sunday Football League, vice-president of the Harwich Referees’ Society, the Trophy Committee of the FA and held many other positions in football.

He received 50-year awards from the FA and Harwich Town Council for his services to sport in the area.

Mr Hayward served in the Royal Navy during the Second World War where he sailed all over the globe for Queen and country including in the West Atlantic and the Pacific.

Friend and neighbour Tony Shaw says he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

“He was a wonderful bloke, a really great guy and we well known and respected all over the town,” he said.