Ron Noades: Former Crystal Palace chairman dies aged 76

Former Crystal Palace owner and chairman Ron Noades has died aged 76 after battling lung cancer.

Noades ran Palace for 17 years and had a spell as caretaker manager after the sacking of Attilio Lombardo in 1998.

Under Noades, the Selhurst Park club reached the 1990 FA Cup final and came third in the First Division in 1991.

Ex-Palace goalkeeper Nigel Martyn said on Twitter: "Sad to hear Ron Noades has passed away, lovely man who cared deeply for the club."

A Palace statement added: "The thoughts and deepest sympathies of everyone at Crystal Palace Football Club are with his wife, Novello, and their family at this very sad time."

After selling Palace in 1998, Noades bought Brentford and guided the club to the Division Three championship after becoming manager.

In 1984, Noades recruited Steve Coppell as manager, with the former Manchester United and England winger taking the club back into the top flight in 1989 after an eight-year absence.

Noades had a spell as caretaker manager of Palace

A year later, they reached the FA Cup final, losing to Manchester United after a replay. The following season, the Eagles finished third in the First Division and won the Full Members Cup.

"I am sure I speak for everyone involved with the Premier League, past and present, when I express our sadness at hearing of the passing of Ron Noades after his brave fight against lung cancer," said Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore.

"Success has many fathers, but Ron's role in the history the Premier League was fundamental to its formation and the foundations of what it has become today.

"Our sympathy and best wishes are with his family."

Noades was criticised for comments made about black players in 1991 and later owned golf courses in the south-east of England.