Commentating legend John Motson "literally lived, ate, breathed and drank football", a former chair of Ipswich Town said, as tributes poured in for the former Culford School pupil, who has died aged 77.
David Sheepshanks, who chaired the Blues for 14 years, was a close friend of 'Motty' and described the affinity the broadcaster had with the Suffolk club.
He said: "He was a very special friend of Ipswich Town. He was actually even a shareholder at the club.
"He was a friend of football and a friend of so many clubs, but he had a special affinity with Ipswich because he went to school here."
Mr Sheepshanks recalled some amusing anecdotes from his friendship with Motty, including how he was "absolutely meticulous" in his preparation for commentating and "knew everything about every player, every club, every bit of history".
He would write "the most extraordinary cards" with details about the two teams involved in his commentary matches.
Mr Sheepshanks said his friend, who had a 50-year career with the BBC, had a cottage at Tunstall and would attend many former Ipswich player reunion events.
He also made a speech at the club's testimonial for Pat Godbold, who was personal assistant to legendary Ipswich Town manager Sir Bobby Robson and attended Championship play-off finals with Mr Sheepshanks.
Of course, Motson, who commentated on 10 World Cups and 29 FA Cups finals, became synonymous with the sheepskin coat he used to wear at matches and Mr Sheepshanks remembered him as a humble man who took a great interest in everyone.
"He was a very special man and he will be very sadly missed. I saw him a few months ago at Wembley and we were put on the same table. I can't believe he has gone really," he added.
Former Town player John Wark, who made more than 500 appearances for the club, also paid tribute, describing Motson as "the best at his job".
Ms Godbold recalled with fondness the night of her testimonial and how Motson presented her with a red book about her career at Portman Road- which spanned 50 years.
Describing him as "articulate and immaculate in his appearance", she said: "I was very sad to hear that he had passed away. The last time I saw him was at (former Ipswich player) Paul Mariner's funeral 18 months ago.
"He was articulate. His wife Annie used to help him prepare notes and he had them on four scraps of card. He knew every player on all the teams, all the details.
"He knew where everybody had come from, how much they cost, what position they played and how many matches. There will never be another Bobby Robson and I suppose I could say 'there will never be another John Motson'".
Other renowned figures from the world of football commentary have also paid their respects.
Current Match Of The Day presenter Gary Lineker described his predecessor as "a quite brilliant commentator and the voice of football in this country for generations".
And Sky Sports' Martin Tyler said Motson was the standard-bearer for those that followed.
He said: "John was the standard-setter for us all.
"We basically all looked up to him - his diligence, his dedication, his knowledge. He was a very serious broadcaster but he was a real fun guy to be around."
Motson hung up his microphone for the BBC at the end of the 2017-18 Premier League season and after his final game - Crystal Palace v West Brom - he was invited on to the pitch to receive a presentation from then Palace manager Roy Hodgson.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here