A MINUTE’S silence was held in memory of a devoted FC Clacton fan ahead of their league game against Stowmarket Town.

Tributes have been paid to Kerry Birks, who died of a heart attack on August 31, aged just 56.

Members of his family, including his nephew, uncle and brother-in-law, attended FC Clacton’s 1-1 home draw against Stowmarket.

It would have been Kerry’s 57th birthday.

Brother-in-law Andrew Bowling said Kerry had been a huge Seasiders fan for a number of years.

He said: “We had a minute’s silence before the game started.

“It was very good of them – he’s supported them for 20 years.

“He loved Clacton. He was really happy and really loved living there.

“He would have been very, very proud.”

About 90 people attended the match, the day after Kerry’s funeral.

His family laid flowers at the Rush Green Bowl ground in his honour.

Kerry became well known at the club after moving from London to Clacton about 25 years ago, helping to prepare and maintain the pitch.

The dedicated fan had also played in the first team reserves for West Ham and Leyton Orient in his younger years.

He lived with uncle Les Hillyer in Clacton.

Mr Hillyer said he hoped more people would go and support FC Clacton.

“We had good times at the football club and and the people were very nice to us,” he said.

“It was very generous of the club, and we would like to thank them and the team.”