ENFIELD Football Club is in mourning after the club secretary died after suffering a heart attack in the dressing room just minutes before Saturday's fixture.o

Keith Hughes, 67, from Cuffley, was talking to E's manager Tom Loizou prior to kick-off at Chesham United when he collapsed in his arms.

He was resuscitated by Mr Loizou, Chesham manager Bob Dowie and the club physiotherapist but later died.

Mr Loizou said: "I'm lost for words really, I'm devastated. To see him die in my arms is something that will stick in my mind forever.

"All he had was his football, it's just a sad loss. He loved his job and he was a great man to work with."

Mr Loizou and eight members of the first team squad knew Mr Hughes well from their time at Cheshunt FC, where he had worked prior to his appointment at Enfield in the summer.

He said that Mr Hughes lived on his own and dedicated his life to football.

Out of respect for Mr Hughes, the club has called off its Middlesex County Cup fixture on Thursday night.

And it is uncertain if Saturday's away game at Harrow will be played. If it does go ahead, players will pay tribute with a minute's silence and wearing black armbands.

Mr Loizou added that the players were still coming to terms with the tragedy. He said. "We've got a young side and we will be affected by it."

Mr Loizou and Enfield FC officials are planning to mark Mr Hughes with a memorial. An annual fixture between Enfield and Cheshunt for a trophy named in honour of Mr Hughes' service to both clubs is one possibility being explored by the respective chairmen.