TRIBUTES have been paid to “the saviour of Accrington Stanley”, Jack Barrett, who died at the weekend.

Mr Barrett, 88, of West Crescent, Accrington, was revered by fans for throwing Stanley a lifeline six years after the club's darkest day, their departure from the Football League in 1962.

Jack, a postman at the time, sprung into action when meetings to revive the club appeared doomed to failure.

After an appeal to fans and residents, Accrington Stanley 1968 were formed and began to work their way up the non-league pyramid.

He was the last surviving founder member of modern Stanley and was granted the Freedom of the Borough of Hyndburn in 2011.

He served for 10 years as secretary of the committee and was made a life member of Stanley in 1978. Mr Barrett died peacefully in his sleep.

Fans and club officials learned of his death as they arrived for yesterday’s clash with Burton Albion where there was a minute’s applause before kick-off.

Stanley managing director Rob Heyes said: “It feels like losing a family member. He was just always around, he loved the club and everyone loved him. His contribution will never be forgotten.”

A club statement read: “Jack was the original Accrington Stanley legend who will be sadly missed and forever remembered.”