Paying Respects To Local League Member

A stalwart of the Lancashire and Cheshire AFL has passed away at the age of 80.

Dave King was one of the most well-known and well-respected members of the L&C community and dedicated more than 60 years of his life to amateur football.

Mike Yates, Chairman of the L&C, paid his own personal tribute.

He said: “Dave’s love of football shone throughout his life – as a player, manager, referee and administrator. His knowledge of the game was invaluable in shaping league policy and decision making.

“He will be greatly missed for this, but also for his friendship and popularity within the league committee and the wider L&C league.”

His love affair with the L&C began in 1958 when he joined Aldermere, and he played 690 games for the club over a 36-year period. He played in every position for the club. He also held the post as chairman.

Dave’s playing days were curtailed when he broke his leg in a game against Moston Brook, but his versatility and commitment to the league saw him thrive in other roles, including as a referee for many years.

Fellow committee member and friend Graham Ellis explained: “There are various comments from match sheets about Dave King the referee. One said ‘the referee Dave King arrived late after struggling through traffic……and we really wish he hadn’t!

“Dave will be sadly missed for his football enthusiasm, his warmth, humour, his diligent work, and refereeing experiences.”

Dave was a vital part of the league committee for many years; during that time, he played a key role in all aspects of the league’s business. This included a year as president in 1994-95, and subsequently he was a staple part of the league management committee.

His ‘true vocation’, as explained by John Howard, was his role in organising the L&C’s annual presentation dinner, which is regularly attended by more than 300 guests.

John said: “The work was concentrated over a short period towards the end of the season and required the patience and charm that Dave was renowned for displaying.

“Grassroots football has prospered over many years and the fact the L&C is now in its 112th season bears witness to the selfless work conducted by so many people over this time.

“Dave has been one of those that has ensured the aims of the original group of league founders have been maintained.

“It has been a pleasure to have known and worked with Dave over the years and I know he will be sadly missed by all his many friends in the game.”

These warm words have been echoed by many paying their own personal tributes. A common theme emerges – one of a man who enjoyed what he did, was a pleasure to work alongside, a character whose presence everybody enjoyed, a gentleman, a man of humour who was the first to offer help, a popular presence, a person who was respected by all, and more than anything, someone who was a pleasure to know.

Geoff Garnett and Dave both began playing in the 1950s and joined the league management committee in the 1980s, at which time they got to know each other very well.

Geoff said: “His hard work, dedication, knowledge and experience was a vital asset to the league committee. There are so many happy memories I can remember sharing with Dave but the abiding ones are that he was a true legend of amateur football, never afraid to share his wisdom to benefit others.”

His contribution to amateur football was recognised in 2018 at the Manchester FA Awards dinner, when Dave was presented with the Frank Hannah Lifetime Achievement Award.

Dave’s mark will forever be imprinted within the L&C’s rich history and his legacy will endure in refereeing standards, the way the annual dinner is organised, and commitment necessary to make sure grassroots football thrives.