PLAYERS, officials and fans of Kent football are mourning the death of one of the county's stalwart administrators with the death of Bill Manklow.

Mr Manklow, who was 79, died on Sunday. He had been ill for some time.

The funeral will be held on Wednesday, October 1, at 11.20am at Charing Crematorium, near Ashford. Family flowers only but donations to Cancer Research would be welcome.

Mr Manklow's love of football started at a young age when he represented Ashford schoolboys in 1937. He took up refereeing when he was 23, officiating in junior football, Kent Amateur League, Metropolitan league and Corinthian League until retiring in 1971 for health reasons.

He was also a great administrator, being a founder member of the Ashford branch of the Kent Refereees' Association and serving as secretary, chairman and president - a post he held for over 20 years.

He was also assistant secretary of the KRA, a vice-president of the KRA and received his 50 Years Service award from The Referees' Association in 1999.

Mr Manklow was also active in the Kent County Football Association working as fixtures and referees' secretary for the Eastern Section also taking over as secretary for 15 years.

Giving up as secretary in 1995 he became president of the League, a post he held with distinction until his death. He was also president of the Ashford Sunday League since 1981, Weald of Kent and District Charity Cup since 1992 and vice-presidents of the Ashford and District Football League and Ashford Charity Trophy.

In 1962 he was co-opted to the Kent County Football Association; was chief assessor for four years; an active vice-president until 2001 and holder of their Order of Merit.

In 1999 he was also honoured by the Football Association for 50 years service to football.

Brian Cumming, sports editor of the Ashford-based Kentish Express, said: "Few people have given longer or more distinguished service to the game and he will be greatly missed."