HEREFORDSHIRE football has been saddened by the loss of stalwart Jock Handley, who died after a short illness at the age of 81.

Only last month Hereford-born Handley was awarded a medal by the Football Association for his 50 years' service to the sport.

The popular figure was a former long-serving chairman and committee member of the Hereford Times Herefordshire League and a former chairman of several committees on the HFA.

The ex-goalkeeper was very proud to have been chairman of the Herefordshire League in its centenary year, while he also picked up a Services to Sport award from Herefordshire Sports Council.

Handley was also a former life vice-president of the Herefordshire League and a life member of the HFA.

Competitions secretary of the HFA, Jack Perks, said: "For many years Jock was a big supporter of the HFA's youth team in his capacity as a member of the youth committee. His 50 years' service to the sport speaks volumes and it is remarkable that he never claimed a penny in expenses."

He added: "Jock will be sorely missed by all those who knew him, especially the youth committee."

In his playing days, Handley represented several teams, including Holmer School, Thynnes Athletic, Newport County and Monmouth Town. He also managed Belmont Rangers where his son, Paul, was a player.

By trade, Handley was an electrical fitter in the Royal Air Force in World War Two and he later worked at Thynnes and at Wiggin, where he spent 25 years.

He is survived by his two children, Carole Woodman and Paul Handley, and four grandchildren. His wife of 59 years, Dora, whom he married in Monmouth, died last year.