Seward became chairman in July 2013 during "probably the most challenging time in the history of the sport's national governing body", the ETTA said, after it failed to secure long-term funding from Sport England.

An independent review had shown that the ETTA and the sport were in need of a radical overhaul.

Sara Sutcliffe, chief executive of the ETTA, said: "In a short period of time as the ETTA chairman, Andy made a major contribution to the future of English table tennis.

"He had a vision to make the sport and the ETTA, as its governing body, fit for the 21st century.

"To that end, he worked tirelessly and laid the foundation for the future. The sport of table tennis and the ETTA are indebted to him."

ETTA chief executive Sara Sutcliffe (front row, left), said Andy Seward (front row, third from left) 'worked tirelessly and laid the foundation for the future' ©Getty Images














Speaking shortly after taking up his post in July, Seward said he aimed for England teams to be winning European medals - either at junior or senior level - by 2017.

He set about making a number of changes to the structure of the ETTA and tackled the administration of sport in the regions, the relocation of the head office in a purpose-built central building, and introduced major changes to the governance of the sport.

Sutcliffe added: "He had spent a lifetime involved in table tennis as a player, umpire, volunteer and representative, but it is likely that the work he has achieved as chairman of the ETTA will be his lasting legacy and of long-term benefit to the sport and all who participate in it.

"We are all deeply saddened to have lost a trusted friend and a valued colleague. It is now our responsibility to him to continue the work he was so passionate about and to ensure that his vision for the future of English table tennis becomes a reality."

Seward, who died yesterday, qualified as ETTA national umpire in 1989, an International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) international umpire in 1992, and achieved IU blue badge status in 2004.

He officiated at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games and the World Championships in Manchester 1997, Osaka 2001, Paris 2003 and Guangzhou 2008.