A BROMSGROVE football club is paying tribute to its chairman who died last week.

Fairfield Villa is in mourning after Paddy Eades was found at his Catshill home last Thursday by club secretary Charlie Harris.

Mr Eades, aged 73, was a much-loved and respected figure at the club and in local football, dedicating his life to help develop Villa.

A one-club man, he joined Fairfield when they re-formed in 1959 and held almost every role at the club including the role of chairman since 1985.

As manager, he had led Villa to two Kidderminster and District League titles.

Mr Eades was also instrumental in developing the facilities at the Recreation Ground, including new changing rooms and most recently a huge upgrade of the entire ground.

Mr Eades also looked after Fairfield’s social side, setting up darts and dominoes teams and was often seen working behind the bar.

Mr Harris, who had known the chairman since 1969, said: “It’s a shock. Paddy was a creature of habit and when he didn’t arrive at the club as usual it set the alarm bells ringing. He was a great guy and very popular and he did so much for the club.

“He was a single chap so Fairfield Villa was his life – he was passionate about the club. This has been a tremendous shock to us all and he’ll be missed.”

Mr Eades had been diagnosed with lung cancer in February, but had recently been given the all-clear after chemotherapy treatment. His devotion to Fairfield Villa and his efforts were recognised by Worcestershire FA in 2010 when he was awarded a long service award for 50 years.

“Everyone at the club is absolutely devastated,” said general manager Paul Oakes. “Paddy was integral to the success of the club and when you look at the number of teams who have gone out of business, you can see what a good job he did to build it up,” said Mr Oakes.