Mr Ebbs sadly passed away last week, leaving his wife Jenny and two daughters, as well as an abundance of happy memories from the people who knew him.

Maurice's love affair with Lynn Football Club began at the tender age of six, when he attended his first match with his dad, and continued right up until his untimely death.

During those 67 years, he supported and served the club in a number of voluntary roles, starting as tea boy and ending as matchday secretary in 2006.

Along with his wife Jenny, Maurice also played an instrumental part in forming and running the successful Junior Linnets scheme and his hard work, dedication and infectious personality touched everyone who came into contact with him.

Although his health problems forced him to take a backseat in the summer of 2006, when he was made a life member by the club, Maurice still supported the team, home and away, whenever he could.

A number of former Linnets managers hailed him for his work and as a person.

Kevin Boon, who visited Maurice with Darren Bloodworth in his final few days, said: "Maurice was loyal, respected by everyone and a true gentleman.

"He was a great ambassador for the club. It's people like him who make football clubs.

"His personality was fantastic. I will never forget his smile, laugh and his pipe. The memories of him will never disappear."

Boston United boss Tommy Taylor, who also visited Maurice at his North Wootton home, said: "When I brought Leyton Orient over for a pre-season friendly Maurice was the first person I ever met.

"He was always the one to come over and say hello and, during my time with the club and after I left, he was as good as gold and a friend.

"Maurice supported the club for many, many years and it is a very sad loss."

Gary Mills, now at Tamworth, also paid his respects.

Mills said: "I made a lot of friends during my time at Lynn FC, none bigger than Maurice.

"He was a true friend and all I have is happy memories of him."

Gordon Chilvers, of KLFC Supporters Club, said: "A true legend of The Linnets has passed on to the great football pitch above.

"To be a volunteer for 60 years at one club is a marvellous achievement and in that time Maurice was involved in so many ways.

"So many memories, but perhaps in my mind for his away day trips with the players and supporters, taking orders for the beans on toast and duly ringing them through to the services ahead so that the players etc had eaten before they arrived at the numerous grounds around the UK.

"He never had the use of the Sat Nav on his travels and didn't always find the opponents' ground at the first time of asking (if I remember correctly we went to all three grounds in Buckingham before we found the correct one), but he always got them there eventually.

"Many ex-players and officials not only of KLFC but also their opponents will be very sad to hear of Maurice's death.