Ex-Middlesbrough CEO Keith Lamb dies aged 77

Keith Lamb played a key role in Middlesbrough's move from Ayresome Park to the Riverside Stadium in 1995

Tributes have been paid to Middlesbrough Football Club's former chief executive Keith Lamb, who has died aged 77 following a long illness.

Mr Lamb worked for the club for almost 25 years from 1986 until 2011.

During that time, Boro recovered from near-extinction to winning their first major cup and playing in a European final.

"Keith was a trusted colleague and friend," said Steve Gibson, the club's chairman.

A chartered accountant by profession, Mr Lamb was one of the first executive appointments by Mr Gibson after he took over the ailing club in 1986.

Mr Lamb played a pivotal role behind the scenes in moving the club forward, including the move to the Riverside Stadium in 1995 and to the club's purpose-built training facility at Rockliffe Park.

He was heavily involved in ambitious recruitment on both the managerial and playing side, including hiring former Manchester United and England captain Bryan Robson as manager and international footballers like Brazil's Juninho, Italian Fabrizio Ravanelli and current England manager Gareth Southgate.

His tenure saw Middlesbrough win their first major trophy - the 2004 Carling Cup - and reach the final of the Uefa Cup in 2006 in which they lost to Spanish side Sevilla.

He left to take up a role with the Football Association in 2011, but remained a non-executive director with the club.

'Never forgotten'

The Middlesbrough chairman was quick to acknowledge the contribution of his former colleague in a special period for the club.

"Keith's achievements during this time were many," Mr Gibson told the club's website.

"His ability and commitment to the club contributed greatly to the success we enjoyed under Lennie Lawrence, Bryan Robson and Steve McClaren.

"We had long periods in the Premier League, reached FA, League and FA Youth Cup finals.

"There was the building of the Riverside Stadium and the Rockliffe training ground. These were all ground-breaking achievements and his role in the history of our club will never be forgotten."