Kent soccer is mourning the loss of Hughie Stinson who has died at the age of 78.

Lancastrian Stinson's career in county football spanned 40 years and around a dozen clubs.

The Rossendale-born former wing-half began his professional career at Accrington Stanley, making three appearances, before moving to Gillingham.

He made played one game for the Priestfield club against Stockport in October 1959, before switched to the non-league game, with spells at several Kent clubs including two at Sittingbourne.

Stinson led Bourne to the Kent League title in the early-90s before moving to Faversham, and was in charge at Salters Lane when the club dropped out of the Kent League in 1993.

He described the decision at the time as an "absolute disgrace” and claimed he was unware of it until being told by the Faversham News.

Stinson’s other Kent clubs, included Ramsgate, Folkestone, Chatham Town, Dartford, Gravesend and Northfleet, Sheppey United (twice), Tonbridge, Cray Wanderers, and Norton Sports.

Present Faversham chairman Ray Leader said: “Hughie was always a pleasure to talk to and always had a story to tell. He was a nice fellow and well respected by everybody."