Lionel Ball, the longest-serving chairman of Ebbsfleet United FC considered to have saved the club from extinction, has died.

Mr Ball passed away on Wednesday after steering the revival of the club after it faced debts of over £80,000.

The club has extended its sympathies to the family including Lionel Ball Jr who also served on the board of directors.

In a statement made on club website FleetOnline, vice chairman Peter Varney said: "I had the pleasure of meeting Lionel on a number of occasions.

"He sat behind me at home matches and was always very supportive of the club.

"... without people like him, it is not an exaggeration to say the club may not still be here today." Peter Varney, vice chairman

"He played his part in sustaining the club in previous years and without people like him, it is not an exaggeration to say the club may not still be here today. All of us at the club send his family and friends our sincere condolences."

Mr Ball first became involved in the club in 1982 just as it was suffering from severe debt problems where he "steadied the ship", according to the club's website, after leaving in 1984.

He joined again in 1988 where he asked for new directors to come forward and join the club. Nine new volunteers joined the board and helped clear the debts over the following three years.

Mr Ball stepped aside in 1997 when Peter Dean took over the club but maintained a keen interest in the Fleet and was a regular at Stonebridge Road into the 21st century.