Tributes were paid to Henry Shipley, who died on 20 June, 2009.

Mr Shipley, who never actually played for Leicester City on the pitch, was the man who performed their pre-match anthem The Post Horn Gallop and was a feature of City's home games.

Mr Shipley, who was in his early 80s, first played the Post Horn Gallop at Leicester City’s old home ground at Filbert Street back in the early 1940s with the Home Guard Band.

His last performance at the old stadium was in 1957 before being asked to play at the Walkers stadium for the 2003/04 season.

Mr Shipley’s first match at the Walkers was a pre-season friendly against Barcelona, which he said was his favourite ever performance.

Leicester City club ambassador, Alan Birchenall, said: "It is extremely sad news. He will be remembered fondly by the club and by our supporters.

"He always received a huge ovation, not just when he was playing but also when he was here as a supporter.

"Henry auditioned for the role of playing the Post Horn Gallop and immediately stood out, with the full regalia and proper equipment.

"Sadly, he suffered from ill health in recent years, which is why he didn't play at the stadium, but he still came along to games and his legacy will not be forgotten."

Cliff Ginetta, chairman of the Leicester City Supporters' Club, said it was a sad day for the club and all those associated with it.

He said: "I met Henry a few times and he was always a very nice chap. It's very sad news.

"He was a bit of an icon and to play at his age is an achievement in itself.

"Leicester fans really appreciated what he did. He was part of the fabric of the club.

"The Post Horn Gallop is really the Leicester City song and he'll always be remembered as the man who played it."

Paul Hing, who currently performs the Post Horn Gallop, was tutored by Mr Shipley.

He said: "I've always seen him as a family member as he was godparent to my younger sister. Henry tutored me when I was a teenager, roughly 30 years ago and it's such sad news."

Season ticket holder Richard Champman said: "It is quite sad. He was brilliant. I'm not sure about the new version they play now – it's a bit too jazzed-up. Henry's version was great.”