SOUTHEND United’s former chief executive John Adams has died, with his son Chris and former Echo Sports Editor Howard Southwood among those paying tribute.

Mr Adams spent 15 years with the club and during his tenure five trophies were won and the club achieved promotion to what is now known as the Championship for the first time in its history.

He was brought to the club from Rotherham United in 1984 by Anton Johnson, who was the owner of the club at that time.

Many successes were enjoyed by John and former Southend chairman Vic Jobson during a period which also saw England’s World Cup winning captain, Sir Bobby Moore, manage the club from 1984 to 1986.

Chris Adams said: My dad was a very proud man, most Yorkshiremen are, steeped in principles of hard work and ambition.

“His time at Southend United was without doubt his happiest time, not just when working tirelessly to build not just a team but a club the people of Southend could be proud of.

“The club also provided dad with an opportunity to meet, marry and live happily for near on 35 years with Sandra, my stepmother whom I am eternally grateful to for all the love and particularly the care she gave him in the last few months of his life .

“He will be sorely missed within our family network but I know a wider network across football will be aware that one of their own has gone but will never be forgotten. I shall cherish every moment I ever spent with him.

Mr Southwood remembers John well and praised both he and Mr Jobson for their vision following the sale of star striker Stan Collymore.

The deal for the gifted youngster, who scored 18 goals from 31 appearances for the club between 1992 and 1993, was a blow for the fans but made sound financial sense.

Some of the money was invested in the Boots and Laces site which remains the club’s training ground and will form an integral part of the new stadium plans at Fossetts Farm.

Mr Southwood said: “Vic and John had the vision to use the proceeds of the sale of Stan Collymore wisely and invest it in the future of the club. Bearing in mind that it remains the training ground and that the new stadium is planned to be built there, it shows they got it right.

“Then again, I remember when there was a row with the council over the plans and for a time they threatened to move the club to Basildon! I will remember John as an honest bloke who would give you a straight answer. He was a typical Yorkshireman and quite a character, but he always told it as it was. He was very proud of his son Chris, who was a successful county cricketer.

“As well as his love of football, John also enjoyed cricket and when he got the opportunity he played in local matches.

“It was former owner Anton Johnson who brought John with him from Rotherham and that was clearly an astute move as John proved to be a real asset to the club.

“I spoke to him about a year ago and we chatted about the club and reflected on those times. He will be missed.”

John left the club in December 1999, and at the time the club’s then deputy-chairman Geoffrey King said: “Following a long association with Southend United, John Adams has left the club’s employment to pursue his other business interests and we wish him well.”

Blues are expected to release a statement today.

Funeral arrangements have yet to be confirmed.