The directors, officials, management and staff of Scarborough Athletic have passed on their heartfelt condolences to the family of former director and friend Richard Adamson, who passed away in his sleep last night.

A statement on the club's website reads: "Richard was a founder member of the Seadog Trust in 2006, and played a significant part in the founding of Scarborough Athletic FC, beginning as the club's Community Director, before roles as Society Secretary and latterly as Chairman.

"A driving force behind the club's success, Richard sat on the committees which looked after the discussions with Scarborough Council over a new stadium, and the initial Back2Boro steering group.

"He was also heavily involved in the memberships and season ticket sales while a director.

"Following his diagnosis with Lymphoma in March and his resignation from the board, club directors have kept in constant contact with Richard and wife Kim, while new manager Rudy Funk has visited him also in St Catherine's Hospice."

John Fawcett, President of Scarborough Athletic FC, said: "Everyone connected with Scarborough Athletic will be deeply saddened by the news of Richard's death.

"I knew Richard for some 30 years, both in football and as a Town Hall colleague.

"He was totally dedicated both to Scarborough Athletic and Scarborough FC and I can remember how he cheerfully did all sort of jobs for the former club on match days, including selling programmes and manning turnstiles.

"He never missed a match, home or away, and such was his dedication that on one occasion he drove to Plymouth, when the Boro' played Plymouth Argyle in a cup tie.

"He was a natural to be a founder director of Scarborough Athletic and to become chairman of the club two years ago.

"He was keenly looking forward to retiring from business next year and to devoting much of his time to the club. It is a tragedy that he has not lived to do so.

"Kim, Richard's wife, and his family are in our thoughts today. His death has robbed Scarborough Athletic of a wonderful servant and many of us of a good friend."

The club have said that a further statement will be issued over the coming days and have asked all supporters and well-wishers to observe the family's requests which will be announced shortly.