Crystal Palace’s club president Peter Morley has died.

Mr Morley, 84, died in his sleep on Saturday night at the Princess Royal University Hospital in Bromley.

He was appointed Chairman during the club’s administration in the late nineties and in 2000 accepted the role of Club President, a position he has held since then.

A club statement said Mr Morley was a tremendous ambassador for Palace in various roles over the years including a number of seasons as Chairman of The Vice-Presidents Club.

Mr Morley was a Personnel Director at Tesco during his career and in 1994 was awarded a CBE for his services to vocational training.

He took a keen interest in many sports, including motor racing, cricket, football and horse racing.

The club statement added: “Peter will be sorely missed by all at the club and condolences are sent to wide Paula and daughters Fran and Alex.”

Palace figures past and present have taken to Twitter and internet forums to express their sadness at the death of Mr Morley.

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Peter Morley with former Palace midfielder Simon Rodger

Mark Bright, a striker at club from 1986 to 1992, tweeted: “Sad to hear earlier today that #cpfc Club President Peter Morley CBE has passed away, condolences to his wife Paula & daughters Alex & Fran.”

Club co-chairman Steve Parish tweeted: “Terribly sad news that club President Peter Morley has passed away. Thoughts are with Paula and Alex, he will be greatly missed by us all.”

Robert Sutherland, editor of the FYP Fanzine magazine said: “RIP Peter Morley. The man who helped guide us through administration and a charming, kind individual. #cpfc.”

On one fans internet forum one supporter wrote: “RIP to a true Palace gentleman.

“So sad that Peter will miss the thrills and spills of this season, but his place in Palace history is assured for his unstinting dedication in helping the Club, through some very dark days, in any way that he could.

“I spoke to him pre-Sunderland and his enthusiasm and optimism remained undimmed. Peter will be sorely missed by friends and the wider Palace family. Deepest condolences to Paula and Alex particularly.”