Reames was the club's longest-serving chairman from March 1985 until his resignation in November 2000. He also took charge of first-team affairs for an 18-month period following Shane Westley's departure in November 1998.

Current chairman Steff Wright said: "John was so passionate about Lincoln City Football Club it was untrue.

"He may have had his critics, particularly when he took over as manager, but during his time as chairman Lincoln made great strides forward and that passion was evident throughout.

"When we took over the reins from John it was evident that he had the interests of Lincoln at heart and his passion for the Imps remained obvious in the fact that he continued to attend games regularly both at home and away.

"John was Lincoln City Football Club through and through and will be sadly missed by us all."