Former Crystal Palace chairman Ron Noades has died.

The Purley resident passed away last night. He had been battling against lung cancer for the past year.

Mr Noades oversaw one of the most successful periods in Crystal Palace’s history, which saw the Eagles reach the FA Cup Final and finish third in the old First Division. His stewardship ran from 1981 to 1998.

He was also chairman of Wimbledon FC in the late 1970s.

Fans and former players have taken to internet forums and twitter to express their condolences.

Geoff Thomas, who captained Palace when Noades was in charge, tweeted: “Just heard the sad news that my Chairman when I was at Crystal Palace Ron Noades past away last night.

“Our thoughts and love go to his family.”

On the BBS, a Palace fans forum, one poster said: “ RIP Ron, the Chairman who presided over arguably our greatest period as a club.

Although not a favourite among many he done a lot of good for the club, and he seemed like a nice enough guy the couple of times I met him.

“Such a shame on the timing. Condolences to the Noades family, thanks for the memories Uncle Ron.”

Earlier on this year Mr Noades talked about his battle against lung cancer.

He was diagnosed in November 2012 and had recently been reliant on oxygen cylinders as he only had 19 per cent use of his lungs.

The 76-year-old went through courses of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and brain radiotherapy to fight the disease.

He said despite his ill health, he would carry on working with his businesses and doing charity work with his wife Novello.

Leave your tributes to Ron Noades below or email abloss@london.newsquest.co.uk.