TRIBUTES have been paid to one of Peterborough United’s most loyal servants after he died at the age of 83. Both the Posh and the family of Arnold Blades have paid tribute to the former club secretary following his death from a stroke last Thursday. Mr Blades spent more than 25 years at the club, joining as secretary in 1967 and staying there until he retired in 1994 at the age of 67. The great-grandfather, who lived around the corner from London Road stadium in Melrose Drive, enjoyed his proudest moment at Posh’s triumphant 2-1 win over Stockport County in the Third Division play-off final at Wembley in 1992. His daughter, Pauline Cavalieri said: “He sorted out all the ticket allocation for the Posh fans and he made sure that they got the best vantage points and were in the best position to cheer on the team. “It was a marvellous occasion and it was the pinnacle of his career. “He loved the club. Even after he retired he remained involved and would help out where he could. “He was a wonderful man and he made time for anybody. He was a true gentleman.” Mr Blades leaves behind his two children Pauline and Colin; his grandchildren Kirsty, Louise, Danielle and Francesca; and great-grandson Liam. He was born and grew up in Worksop, where he met his late wife Doris, before moving to Cottenham, near Cambridge. He became involved in the Cambridgeshire Referees’ Association, which led to him volunteering as a steward at Wembley in the late 1950s and early 1960s. After moving to Posh, his extensive knowledge of football meant he became an integral part of the club. Mrs Cavalieri said he was involved in the signing of Posh legend Tommy Robson, the first person to be included in the Peterborough United Hall of Fame. She said: “I remember the manager sent him scouting up to Newcastle United in 1968. Nobody thought Posh would be able to get Tommy but Arnold brought him back down to Peterborough.” Former club chairman John Devaney said Mr Blades was instrumental in bringing other successful players to the club including Tony Adcock, Bobby Barnes and Chris Turner. Mr Devaney added: “Football has lost a genuine supporter. “His extensive knowledge of the game, managers, players and their characters was invaluable to us during our time at Peterborough United Football Club. “We kept in regular contact with Arnold and his late wife Doris and were fortunate enough to see him two weeks before he suffered this stroke. “We will deeply miss him.” Maurice Armstrong, former secretary of Huntingdonshire Football Association, also paid tribute to him. He said: “When I was at the Cambridgeshire Referees’ Association he was my first guest speaker at one of our meetings and he was a true gentleman with great integrity. “When I became the Hunts secretary in 1974 we were in close communication and he was always a very honest man who treated everybody with respect.”