Tributes paid to Blues fan Dave Lambert following his death, aged 46

The keen Shrimpers fan passed away at the end of November after losing his battle with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.

And Dave’s family and friends celebrated his life by having scarves and t-shirts made with his name on before also chanting his name throughout the 46th minute of Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Altrincham at Roots Hall.

Dave’s close friends paid tribute in a statement to the Echo.

It said: “Southend United have lost one of their long serving and loyal supporters.

“A season ticket holder for over 30 years, Dave travelled home and away, often taking Ted, his father, and young sons.

“A strapping lad, he could always be seen in the East Stand greens cheering on his beloved Shrimpers and enjoying the hospitality of the Far Post Bar with his long-time friends.”

Away from Roots Hall, Dave was a firefighter with the Hertfordshire Fire Service for 22 years.

He was stationed at Cheshunt and more recently Potters Bar.

He earned many commendations for bravery and going above and beyond the call of duty.

Paying tribute - Dave Lambert's family and friends at Saturday's game (Image: Focus Images)

And father of three Dave, who lived in Billericay, also loved to spend time with his children.

The statement added: “He was very much a family man.

“When he was not working, he loved being a proud dad with them at Roots Hall or travelling with the Blue Army.

“He could often be found taking them on trips and adventures based around a Southend away game.

“Dave was with his loving family until the last.

“He leaves behind his mother Janet, siblings Victoria and Sean and his children, Amelie, Jack and Beau - of whom he loved and was loved by so much.”

Dave's mother Janet echoed those sentiments.

She said: "My beautiful son David left us after a long and cruel battle with cancer.

"I’m so unbelievably proud of him, he didn’t stop fighting until the very end.

"I’m comforted by the fact that he had spent his last days surrounded by all the people who loved him most - his amazing friends, old and new, his firefighter family, his football family, all of us and his children."