A former football chairman, who died tragically at a Norfolk coastal beauty spot, sought to acquire West Ham United alongside a former Norwich City striker, according to an inquest.

Gary White, former chairman of non-league Heybridge Swifts, committed suicide in Hunstanton Cliffs on April 3 after suffering from melancholy and anxiety. He was 64.

Mr White, an enthusiastic West Ham supporter and season ticket holder, told the court that some years ago he came close to taking over the East London club alongside former striker Tony Cottee, who scored twice for the Canaries in 2000.

During the inquiry, his brother Steve White recalled several happy recollections with the court, including the startling takeover proposal.

Tony Cottee during his Norwich City stint

He stated, “He genuinely liked football; we both did. We had season tickets at West Ham and used to play veterans football against each other.

“He was a fantastic guy, my best buddy and was a brilliant businessman.”

Mr. White, a chartered accountant, was the chairman of Essex team Heybridge Swifts for seven years. During his tenure, he played a key role in the club’s home field renovation project.

He also served as a director at Colchester United.

The court heard that Mr White had a lengthy history of depression and anxiety, for which he received weekly outreach help from Mid and North Essex MIND.

Tom Pearce, his son-in-law, claimed that just before his death, he moved house to Boxted, near Colchester, with the expectation that a new start would assist with his welfare. He looked to be taking good steps.

He stated: “He believed that shifting residence would serve as a trigger.

“Unfortunately, this was not to be the case and the improvements had made before must have been because he knew he was closer to finding peace.”

Samantha Goward, the area coroner, decided that his death was a suicide.

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