Our good friend and supporter Mr John Crook sadly passed away last Friday on the19th of September and our thoughts and condolences are with his wife Jean and their family,

John was the real deal and I fondly referred to him as Mr Football. He was a Life Vice President, former Chairman and Director of the Surrey County F.A, and also the President of the Wimbledon & District League and the Wimbledon Referees Society. He was also a former Football League match official who was responsible for training over a 1000 others to take up the Whistle over the years, including my Dad and Uncle. I have probably only skimmed the surface on his contribution to football and apologise if this is the case. He was a wonderful man outside of football too and he will be sorely missed by all of his friends and family.

Many of you will remember John for his good humour, jokes, speeches and trophy presentations at our Annual Football Dinners and many photos are still on our website.

Truly a legendary top bloke, friend & advisor who had the uncanny knack of offering me great advice, whilst also dealing me a few ‘get out of jail cards’ in my early football admin years! R.I.P Johnny.

John’s funeral is on Friday the 3rd of October, 4.40pm at North East Surrey Crematorium, Lower Morden Lane, Morden, SM4 4NU and his Wake is at the Clubhouse – Old Rutlishians’ Association, Poplar Road, Merton Park, SW19 3JS.

Gavin Lennard