TRIBUTES have been paid to a “true legend” who dedicated his life to football.

Bob Hodder, 80, died on Saturday after battling cancer for more than a year. When he was diagnosed in November 2015 he was told he had just three days to live, but 12 months later he was well enough to meet his first great-granddaughter.

Mr Hodder was president of Trinity Football Club, based in Eastern Avenue, Southend. He joined the club as a player, and has also held the posts of chairman, and director.

Josephine Hodder, his wife of nearly 60 years, said: “He was always the perfect gentleman, he would do anything for anyone.

“There have been more than 180 messages of condolences to him on Facebook, it makes me happy but I can’t help but cry. It broke my heart.”

Mr Hodder also worked for Essex Fire Service, and was manager of the Southend station, in Sutton Road.

Speaking about his cancer battle, Mrs Hodder added: “He was living on borrowed time. We didn’t know how bad it was but then they had to take five litres of fluid off one lung. We were told he only had three days but he had a year and a bit.

“It was really hard and he didn’t tell many people how bad it was. We did a lot together in our time but he wanted to see his great-grand daughter born. We only had boys in the family before Amelia.”

Roy Plummer, a founding member of Trinity Football Club, said: “He immediately became a popular character. In later years, when he commanded respect as a committee man and true leader, he became a legend within Trinity.

“He played a vital part in the construction of the Trinity clubhouse and headquarters at Garon Park, in the Eighties, and was responsible for many years for all the maintenance and upkeep of the building.

“Bob was also a true social asset to Trinity, helping to promote and support all of the club’s many activities. Along with his wife Josephine, he embarked on many of the club’s famous overseas tours.

“He will be sorely missed as one of the nicest guys one could ever wish to meet, who would do anything that he could to help anyone. Without doubt he is a true Trinity legend.”