Chairman Steff Wright has paid tribute to his predecessor John Reames, who has died at the age of 65.

Mr Reames, the longest serving chairman in the Club's history, lost his battle against cancer on Tuesday evening and Mr Wright was quick to highlight the important role that his predecessor played in the history of Lincoln City Football Club.

"John was so passionate about Lincoln City Football Club it was untrue," said Mr Wright, who became a director when the Lincoln City Membership Scheme's bid to invest into the club in return for Mr Reames' shareholding was successful in February 2001.

"He may have had his critics, particularly when he took over as manager, but during his time as Chairman, Lincoln City Football Club made great strides forward and that passion was evident throughout.

"When we took over the reins from John it was evident that he had the interests of Lincoln City Football Club at heart and his passion for the Imps remained obvious in the fact that he continued to attend games regularly both at home and away.

"I had the pleasure of inviting him into the Boardroom for a match just before Christmas and I was pleased to see him at the recent Murphy's Mission Dinner, although at the same time it was very sad to see how his health had declined so rapidly.

"John was Lincoln City Football Club through and through and will be sadly missed by us all."