The world of Sussex sport last night paid tribute to Tony Millard, who died at the age of 74.

Millard was a distinguished and versatile broadcaster, enthusiastic administrator and a keen cricketer.

He was perhaps best known by many people as the voice of Albion’s clubcall telephone service in the 1980s and the man behind their spectacular arrival at the 1983 FA Cup final by British Caledonian helicopter.

Millard also played a key role at Eastbourne Eagles and commentated on top speedway meetings for Sky Sports.

Cricketers across the county knew him best as the co-foudner of the Sussex Cricket League, a competition in which he was still heavily involved as press officer and umpire.

He was due to officiate at a match today.

Millard’s countless commentaries on Albion games for local radio included an emotional description of the final stages of the last ever game at the Goldstone in 1997 when he admitted: “I’m almost in tears.”

He remained a regular at the Seagulls’ home games when his love of cricket permitted and remained a well known character around the press room at The Amex.

Albion will pay full tribute to Millard at their home game against Millwall next Saturday.

A club spokesman said last night: “Tony was commercial manager and edited our programme in the 1980s and 1990s.

“He was always a larger than life character and a talented broadcaster with the Albion at heart. Our thoughts are with his family.”

Millard, who lived near the county cricket ground in Hove, is believed to have died peacefully of natural causes.

He was born in London in January, 1939, but made his name on the South Coast.

He was announcer at Eastbourne Eagles for ten years from 1975 and helped bring in sponsorship.

“Tony had a huge role in speedway and led a very full and active life,” said Eagles chief Bob Dugard.”

Sussex Cricket League assistant secretary Peter Butter described Millard as irreplaceable.

He said: “Tony has been a major presence for 43 years in this league and was a joint-founder.

“He is going to be impossible to replace. There is simply never going to be another Tony.”