IPSWICH Town vice-president and former director Harold Smith has died aged 89.A long-serving club stalwart, he attended Saturday's first game of the new season against Crystal Palace and was found dead at his home in the town yesterday.

IPSWICH Town vice-president and former director Harold Smith has died aged 89.

A long-serving club stalwart, he attended Saturday's first game of the new season against Crystal Palace and was found dead at his home in the town yesterday.

The official flag was flying at half mast at Portman Road as a mark of respect and a minute's silence will be held at the next first team home game against Hull on Saturday week.

Before joining the board, Mr Smith was a well known garage proprietor in the town and chairman of the Ipswich Town Supporters' Association, an organisation that raised thousands of pounds on behalf of the club.

He resigned from that position when he was elected to the board in June 1964 along with his friend Murray Sangster and Patrick Cobbold, brother of then chairman John Cobbold.

He played an influential part behind the scenes for three decades, in particular in helping to revive the club's fortunes during the Bill McGarry and Bobby Robson management eras.

After stepping down as a director, Mr Smith was appointed a vice-president and continued to follow the club both home and away.

During his time in football he also served on Football Association disciplinary committees.