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.