Sir Doug Ellis, Aston Villa chairman for 31 years, has died aged 94.
One of the pioneering chairman of the Premier League era - and later president emeritus at Villa - passed away on Thursday morning.
Ellis was chairman of Villa for two spells, first from 1968 to 1975, before returning to the club after their European Cup success in 1982 until retirement in 2006.
Former Villa striker Stan Collymore led the tributes, tweeting: 'Extremely sad to hear Doug Ellis has passed away today.
'Made it possible to fulfill my dream of playing for Villa, something I'll be eternally grateful to him for.
'Rest in peace, Chairman, sincere gratitude from me and mine.'
Aston Villa will hold a minute's silence for next Saturday's clash with Swansea at Villa Park, when the players will wear black armbands.
Ellis had an infamously frosty relationship with Villa fans but their fortunes have taken a turn for the worse since his departure.
He was nicknamed 'Deadly Doug' by Jimmy Greaves for his propensity to sack managers, with 15 coming and going during his 31 years at the club.
Villa won the League Cup three times during Ellis reign - in 1975, 1994 and 1996 - but he was not on the board for their European Cup win in 1982, returning as chairman shortly after following a seven-year absence.
Ellis' lasting legacy at the club is the rebuilding work he did at Villa Park, with the Doug Ellis Stand on Witton Lane named in his honour.
Ellis made his money through a variety of industries including travel, construction and even cider making. At his height he owned 19 companies - 12 in the UK.
Ellis gave away fortunes to charity, earning him and OBE and later a knighthood.
Ellis leaves behind second wife Heidi and three sons.
Olivekiss
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Very Sad. He was everything that Lerner was not; self made, a winner and loved our club with a passion. RIP Sir Doug.
memory4
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What an amazing life he has lived and he will always be a legend for what he did for the Villa!
Lanpandra
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Rip sir doug, a chairman who truly loved his club sadly there isn't many like him around anymore
uptownl
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I was once a ref for a Villa under 18 game played on Sat morn. There was Doug sat watching the game from the dugout. After the game he could not have been more hospitable, letting us in to the players dining room where we ate with Doug & David O’Leary. A true fan & footy man RIP
Perkings
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Rip Doug, a true character and a sad loss regardless of who you support.
Mayweather05
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Only until you lose someone do you realise the contribution they made. Things were simpler in football when Doug owned the club. Happier days.
ourselve
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Rest in peace Mr Chairman. It was an absolute honour to work for you. You will be sadly missed
ostracize
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Everyone at Tottenham Hotspur sends their condolences. Our thoughts are with Doug’s friends and family at this difficult time.
regman
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RIP Doug True legend of the English game
Desirben
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RIP. Condolences from Stoke City fans
went666
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Aston villa have always been a big club and this man was a part of that I've only been to one villa game in my life and saw a worldie from lawton from edge of the box against Swansea
Adrianer
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Not a villa fan but want to pass on my thoughts to his family,friends & everyone at your great club rip sir
ukulele
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from an everton fan thoughts are with villa fans the club & his family & friends R.I.P
yusuon
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RIP Doug. A great character who did wonders for your club.
nayehao
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Fantastic ambassador to Aston Villa that was in his blood rightly or wrongly he made decision in best interest of the club RIP
eyebrower
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RIP one of the proper characters of Football!! The football world would be a better place today,if there was more like Doug Ellis to deal with spoilt players and agents!!
typhoon
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rest in peace sir, a true legend🌹
Roerdlizese
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It was a pleasure to have met the man. A real gentleman. Rest well Sir Ellis.
Weigens
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Decent man that is of a generation of football leaders that are disappearing from the game to be replaced by corporate owners from all over the globe. RIP and condolences from a wolves fan and it would be good to have the villains back in the premier league.
pensive
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character and a great chairman, all round good bloke who liked to win.
condition
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Loved Villa, a proper owner
correspond
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RIP Doug, sad that I won't see you driving around Sutton Coldfield in your AV1 Rolls anymore.
Madonnai
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Aston Villa to the core. RIP Doug.
oedipus
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RIP old dude, u loved your club and they loved you
mailbox
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Sad news.He was actually nicknamed 'deadly,not because of his high manager turn over! but because of the way he used to club any fish he caught whilst fishing.He ran a tight ship and kept the club out of debt,not popular whilst in charge,but now when fans look back they appreciate what he actually did for the club.He also took troubled players under his wing,like Paul Mcgrath.