Palace fans will remember former chairman Ron Noades before their game against Norwich City on Wednesday.

Mr Noades, 76, passed away on Christmas Eve following a year-long battle with lung cancer.

The club are expected to hold a minute’s applause or silence when they take on Norwich on New Year’s Day.

Mr Noades was also included in a special tribute before Palace's game with Aston Villa on Boxing Day.

The Purley resident oversaw one of the most successful periods in Crystal Palace’s history, which saw the Eagles reach the FA Cup Final and finish third in the old First Division. His stewardship ran from 1981 to 1998.

He was diagnosed with cancer in November 2012 and had recently been reliant on oxygen cylinders as he only had 19 per cent use of his lungs.

The 76-year-old went through courses of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and brain radiotherapy to fight the disease.

Hundreds of fans as well as a number of former players and colleagues have all spoken fondly of the former Palace owner.

Stephen Browett, co-chairman of Crystal Palace, said it will be hard to replicate the success Mr Noades had at the club.

He said: “It is very sad news.

“I’m not sure that it will ever be possible to match Ron's achievement of finishing 3rd in the league whilst running the club on a tight budget.

“If we could achieve what he did we'd be very happy. I didn’t really know him well myself but I know that he helped Steve Parish on several matters and was a friend of Martin Long’s.

“Ron's family will be at the game and a minute's silence or applause is up to them.”

Eddie McGoldrick, played for Palace for five years between 1988 and 1993 and featured in that magic FA Cup run in 1990.

He tweeted: “Rest in peace Mr Chairman. Not only a massive influence on my career but my life. My thoughts are with the family.”

Former goalkeeper Nigel Martyn, who was brought to the club by Noades in 1989, was the first £1m goalkeeper in English football.

He tweeted: “Sad to hear my old Crystal Palace chairman Ron Noades has passed away. Lovely man who cared deeply for the club.”

Another former Palace player, Gareth Southgate, who is now the England U-21s manger, also paid his respects for Mr Noades.

He said: “Sad to hear of Ron Noades passing away. A football man. Prepared to make unpopular calls.

“He oversaw the most successful period in Crystal Palace’s history. Rest in peace.”

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore said Mr Noades played a fundamental road in the formation of the Premier League.

He said: “I am sure I speak for everyone involved with the Premier League, past and present, when I express our sadness at hearing of the passing of Ron Noades after his brave fight against lung cancer.

"Success has many fathers, but Ron's role in the history the Premier League was fundamental to its formation and the foundations of what it has become today.

"Our sympathy and best wishes are with his family."