FOOTBALL has lost one of its most ardent supporters with the death of Leigh and District Amateur Football League president, Tommy Richards.

Mr Richards, 81, of Oak Street, Tyldesley, died early on Monday in a Scarborough hospital where he had been since suffering a heart attack while on holiday with his wife, Lily.

One of six brothers and two sisters, Mr Richards was born in Hindsford and he spent much of his life closely connected with Hindsford FC.

Hindsford FC treasurer John Grundy, a player when Tommy was club manager, recalled: "We called him 'Busby' a term of affection -- he was our equivalent of Manchester United boss Matt Busby. He darned socks and marked pitches. It's a sad loss, he gave over 50 years of free service to the community."

Mr Richards had been a banksman at Cleworth Hall Colliery in Tyldesley and until he retired worked as a service man collecting coal samples from collieries throughout Lancashire.

Mr Richards had 25 year and 50 year long service medals from the Lancashire FA and been involved with the organisation of Atherton Charity Cup since 1960.

Fellow Charity Cup organiser Gerald Butler summed up soccer's loss: "Tommy will be irreplaceable."

A funeral service will be held at 11.30am on Tuesday followed by committal at Howe Bridge Crematorium.