Tributes to former Exeter City FC chairman

Ivor Doble was famous city jeweller

An iconic Exeter businessman has died.

Ivor Doble, who was 96, had kept on working until his nineties, and is still fondly remembered for his time chairing Exeter City Football Club. He held the role for 17 years until 2002.

His family has sold jewellery in Exeter for more than a hundred years, with its main store on Sidwell Street not far from the club's ground, St James Park.

Announcing Mr Doble's passing on its website, the club says Mr Doble "was chairman during one of Exeter City’s most successful periods on the pitch under the management of Terry Cooper. Following a mid-table finish in his first season in charge, Cooper led City to their only major title in 1989/90, winning the Fourth Division. City won an impressive 20 home league games in their title-winning season and remained unbeaten in all 31 home fixtures (including cup games)."

Club president Julian Tagg said: “Many of our fans will have known Ivor personally. He always took the time to speak to supporters, and indeed as chairman was the face of our football club for many years. Everyone at the club passes their sincere condolences to the Doble family.”

Nick Hawker, chair of Exeter City Supporters Trust, said: “Ivor was first and foremost a dedicated supporter who became an influential chairman, and, like many local peopleI am saddened to hear of this news.

"He saw the club through some good times on the pitch, and also some very challenging times, but he will be remembered for his dedication and commitment to the club he loved.”