Ex-EFL chief operating officer Andy Williamson has died aged 70

Williamson spent 45 years working for the EFL before he retired in 2016 and was awarded an OBE in 2012.

He was involved in a number of key developments in English football, including the introduction of three points for a win in 1981, the first title sponsorship in 1983, and the introduction of the play-offs in 1986, helping move those finals to Wembley four years later.

EFL chief executive Trevor Birch said: “Today is an extremely sad day for the EFL, league football and anyone whose path may have crossed Andy’s over the years. He was a much-loved member of the EFL family, a fantastic individual who dedicated his working life to the game and he will be greatly missed by us all.

“It cannot be overstated the contribution Andy made to football in this country, the diligence he consistently applied to dealing with member clubs and the inspiring legacy he left. You only have to look at the many and varied areas of the EFL as an organisation and Andy’s influence is there for all to see.

“Andy, always a regular visitor to EFL events and finals, was also a fantastic raconteur and his stories of league football will live long in the memory for anyone who was fortunate to be in his company.”