Peterborough United Football Club have expressed their sadness at the news that former player Ellis Stafford has died after a short illness.

The club wishes to offer their condolences to his wife Eileen and his two brothers George and Ted. Chief Executive Bob Symns said: 'The club is sad to learn of the passing of Ellis Stafford. He is a legend at the football club, he was here when we scored our first goals in the Football League and made over 180 appearances.

'We were lucky enough to have Ellis with us on the first game of the season when he brought all of the trophies and medals in his collection. He was a wonderful man with a wonderful family and he will be a great loss to the football club and the city itself,' Symns said.

Ticket Office Manager Margaret Poole worked alongside Ellis and has fond memories. 'Ellis first took on Derek and myself over 35 years ago. We worked for three years in the portakabin for him on the car park, which many people will know and Ellis was able to follow his passion for horse-racing.

'We were taken on full-time and Derek worked for Ellis in the Commercial department. He was the first representative and he sold scratch-off tickets. Ellis was a wonderful character and a wonderful friend. I haven't seen so much of him recently, but our crosses used to path in the doctor's surgery and I had the pleasure of seeing him and Eileen at the Great Northern Hotel six weeks ago.

'Ellis, Derek, in particular Susan, and myself will miss you greatly. Our condolences are with the family. God Bless.'