County FA mourns John Hatfield

Shropshire football has paid tribute to long-serving president John Hatfield – who has died after a long battle with cancer.

The 82-year-old passed away on Thursday last week, just days after completing a three-year term as president of the Shropshire Football Association.

And the county FA chief executive David Rowe today spoke out about a man who dedicated a lifetime of service to football.

"He was a passionate football man and we will all miss him so much," said Rowe.

"He always had a good sense of humour. He really was a person who commanded so much respect and the game will be so much poorer without him.

"We carry on now, but sometimes you come across people who deserve to be remembered accordingly – and John was one of those."

Hatfield's life in football began as a teenager in the RAF in 1944.

Between 1948 and 1962 he played for several sides in the south of the county or just over the border – including Clun, Newcastle and Ludlow Town.

He went on to manage Ludlow for 11 years before moving on to spend another seven years as boss of Craven Arms.

Committee

He was an instrumental figure within the South Shropshire Football League, serving on its committee from 1980 until its demise in 1995.

He joined the Shropshire FA in 1980 and served on several committees before being made a life member then being appointed president in 2007.

Hatfield was also a life member of the Shropshire Schools & Colleges FA, having been involved with schools football for decades dating back to his playing days.

"He represented us so well everywhere," added Rowe. "He was always there and always willing – even in the last couple of years when he wasn't well.

"Our thoughts and condolences go out to his wife Margaret and their children and grandchildren."

By CHRIS HUDSON