The unexpected death of a football league’s secretary has left “a huge hole in the lives of many”.

The Rochester and District league has paid tribute to long-serving secretary Terry Lawrence who passed away suddenly in his home last Tuesday (January 16).

Known as Mr R and D, Terry had served the league for more than 20 years helping to build it to reach “the amazing heights of a hundred teams”.

He was seen as an “immense presence” in the Medway Area Sunday League and the Havill Sheppey Sunday League.

Terry, who was in his mid-70s and lived in Rainham, had been involved in the “beautiful game” most of his adult life and was a serving officer of the Kent F.A.

In a statement from the league’s committee, they described Terry’s death “as a complete shock to his family and friends and the wider football family”.

It added: “Terry is simply irreplaceable and leaves a huge hole in the lives of many people, including the world of Kent Football.”

During his time as Farthing Corner FC manager, a ref and finally a secretary both for the Division 2 area and then for the R and D league he “shared his love of the beautiful game and his wealth of knowledge and wisdom” and gained from years of serving it “freely”.

The committee added: “He was always there to help the League, club officials, players, referees, and spectators.

“Terry was only a phone call away whatever the problem and made many friends during this time, often spending a lot of time phoning people to make sure they were ok whatever they were going through, good or bad, football or otherwise.

“Terry was a man for all seasons. Football has lost yet another legend, like his good friend Mr Colin Boswell who also sadly passed away back in 2020. Of their like we will never see again.

“Goodbye Terry you are already being missed.”

The committee added it is working hard to ensure that football and the “good work” of the League continue and says it’s “grateful for the many people who have stepped up to help it and honour the memory of Mr R&D”.

The only family flowers funeral will take place at midday on Tuesday, February 20 at Medway Crematorium.