TRIBUTES are today being paid to Ipswich Town's former club doctor Steve Lazar who has died following heart surgery.Dr Lazar, who was the football club's doctor for more than 20 years until he retired at the end of last season, died after suffering complications following the surgery at Papworth Hospital in Cambridge.

TRIBUTES are today being paid to Ipswich Town's former club doctor Steve Lazar who has died following heart surgery.

Dr Lazar, who was the football club's doctor for more than 20 years until he retired at the end of last season, died after suffering complications following the surgery at Papworth Hospital in Cambridge.

Former colleagues and friends of the popular doctor spoke of their sadness at the loss.

Ipswich Town chairman David Sheepshanks said: “Although we were aware that Steve was undergoing surgery this news was a dreadful shock to everyone who knew him.

“He provided an exemplary service as club doctor at Portman Road over the past 20 years.

“We will remember him with great fondness and gratitude and can only wish his wife Sue, family and friends, our deepest sympathy at this desperately sad time.”

Dr Steve Roberts, academy club doctor, knew Dr Lazar, who was in his late 50s, from when he was a senior partner at the surgery in Deben Road, Ipswich.

He said last night: “Steve was a fine GP, highly regarded by the local medical community and well-loved by his patients.

“It was a pleasure to work with him. He was a loyal colleague and a good friend. We will all miss him.”

South African-born Dr Lazar moved to England in 1967 and settled in Ipswich in the 1970s.

He became Ipswich Town's doctor in 1985, a job which he said was ideal for someone who enjoyed the game so much.

Dr Lazar, who was married with five grown-up children and had grandchildren, was a keen fundraiser and competed in the New York marathon on several occasions.

He is also a former member of the Ipswich Round Table group and Ipswich's Jaffa Jogging Club.

N If you would like to pay tribute to Dr Lazar log on to www.eveningstar.co.uk or write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk