WOKINGHAM & Emmbrook FC are mourning the passing of their super-fan Richard Croyden, who has been involved with the club for more than 60 years, writes Dave Wright.

Wearing his Sumas replica shirt as always, he saw the team beat Langley 2-0 on February 1, but his health had declined in the last month and he died last Friday with his family at his bedside.

His love for the club made him a popular figure not only around Wokingham, but also with opposing clubs and their own supporters.

"He was a Wokingham man through and through," said former manager Roger Herridge, who is now Binfield FC's team boss. "He was a true gentleman who always had time for a good conversation."

Croyden had been enjoying the current football season, as the Sumas are doing well on the pitch and there is now a covered stand at the Lowther Road ground where he could sit and enjoy a burger.

Through my reporting of the club, I have known him for many decades and during our conversations, his memories of the 'good old days' often went back to the 1982-83 season when Wokingham drew 1-1 with Cardiff City in the first round of the FA Cup at the Finchampstead Road ground, before losing the replay at Ninian Park.

The club will be paying their respects to Richard when they play Penn & Tylers Green at Lowther Road this Saturday.

Ian Kirkwood, who played for Reading FC in the 1950s before going on to play for Winkfield as well as for an Ascot-based team in the Bracknell and District Sunday League, has also died.

His funeral service takes place at Easthampstead Crematorium this Friday morning.