Brian Double lived for the club he founded nearly 20 years ago and was overjoyed when they won the Division Three championship a few year's back.

Brian, who had been ill for some time, passed away last week.

The team wore black arm-bands and lined up for a minute's silence in memory of Brian before Sunday's match against West St Leonards, which they went on to win 6 - 3.

Present at the game were Brian's wife Hazel and members of his family.

Manager Tim Oakley said: "There were tears but the players wanted to carry on. They wanted to play and win for Brian."

He added: "Brian was the heart and soul of Sunday football in Peasmarsh. It was his club. Some of the players are only in their 20's but have known Brian all their lives."

Players signed a ball which was taken, by Hazel, to the chapel of rest.

Andy Maplesden summed up feelings at the club when he said: "The man was a legend. he had a heart of gold."

James Laverton said: "He was, and always will be Peasmarsh FC."

Brian loved to encourage promising young players and was a stickler for fair play.

Jason Penfold said: "Brian gave a relentless amount of time to football within the village of Peasmarsh; he was on the local parish council spending time to improve things over at the Maltings ground where Peasmarsh play their football."

Caine Baldock-Apps said: "He was the lynch pin of not only our club but a whole community. "Peasmarsh FC has never had such a dedicated and enthusiastic gaffer.

"Without any shadow of doubt we wouldn't be where we are today without his hard work and input.

"He will be sorely missed by all of us and we will forever be indebted to his commitment over the last 17 years.

"I for one will miss him on an immense personal level too, he was always commenting on "the scrawny 15 year old that just turned up one day!"

Peasmarsh councillor Jennifer Als said: "Brian's death is a great loss to this village."

Hazel Double, who is treasurer of Peasmarsh FC, said: "Brian loved the club. He was chairman for many years and only gave up when he became too ill."

Brian's funeral takes place on Friday at Peasmarsh Church at 2.30pm.