THE Cotswold football community was deeply saddened to learn of the death of local referee Richard Collins on October 21.

Rich was taken ill while attending Cirencester Town’s Red Insure Cup game with Shortwood last Tuesday. He died at home later that night.

Cirencester Town football administrator Scott Griffin said: “Everyone at the club was deeply saddened to learn of Rich Collins' sudden passing last week.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this sad time.

“Rich was a stalwart at the club, always willing to help out. Quite often Rich volunteered to run the turnstiles on match days but he will obviously be remembered most for his refereeing.

"There would hardly be a local footballer who has not had Rich officiating at one of their matches. He would often help out at short notice to enable teams to fulfil fixtures when other match officials had cancelled.

“Whether it was for junior or adult teams it didn’t matter, he just loved his football.

“We are holding a minute’s silence at our game against Frome Town on Saturday, November 15 in Rich’s memory and would ask that as many people come along as possible to share the afternoon with us."

A statement in this week’s Cirencester & District League newsletter read: “It is with great regret that we have to report the passing of Richard Collins who for many years was one of our regular referees.

“We would like to offer our condolences to his family and particularly his children."

Gordon Varley, a spokesman for Stratton Youth FC, said: “Everyone at the club was saddened by the shock news. Rich refereed many Stratton Youth games over the years and was always first class in the way he approached the games, and in the way he controlled them. He will be sorely missed.”