DICK Graham, arguably the most popular Colchester United manager ever, has died.

Fans took to Twitter yesterday to pay tribute to the 90-year-old former U’s boss.

Mr Graham had been poorly for some time before his death was confirmed on Thursday, March 7.

Jon Burns, chairman of the Colchester United Supporters Association, described him as a legend.

He added: “He put Colchester United on the map.

“What he did for the club is legendary and I have never met such a wonderful gentleman."

Mr Graham took charge of Colchester United between 1968 and 1972, ending his tenure with an impressive record of 80 wins and 48 draws from 190 games.

Most famously, he masterminded a shock 3–2 victory over Don Revie’s prolific Leeds United in the 5th round of the 1971 FA Cup.

Leeds were challenging for the title in the top flight while Colchester United were down in the country’s fourth division.

It was a result that would see him become the first manager inducted into the Colchester United's Hall of Fame in 2007.