A sad time for Kent football - Rest In Peace Roy Vinter

TRIBUTES have poured in following the sad passing of Kent League stalwart Roy Vinter.

The League said they “are saddened” to report the death of their president on Friday evening.

Mr Vinter, who was born in 1937, was appointed Kent League secretary and treasurer in 1990.

Now called the Southern Counties East Football League, the League issued the following statement on its website to announce the sad news.

“Always a gentleman, Roy was well respected by all those that came across him. He was fair and firm, but always willing and happy to give clubs advice when required. To the many league officials he served alongside, he was the one everyone would look up to and admire.

“As many of you know, Roy had been ill for some time but he battled bravely and was still taking a keen interest in league matters as well as still serving as our league treasurer.

“Roy had lots of experience of match officiating at nearly all levels, league administration in various capacities and brought stability to the then Kent League alongside only two chairpersons in his 24 years in the league.

“At the age of 16, Roy qualified through the North Riding County FA as a class 3 referee and commenced refereeing in local leagues in the area surrounding Middlesbrough. He was promoted through class 2 and then to class 1, even still refereeing while carrying out his national service.

“His first involvement in league administration came in 1961 when he was appointed registration secretary of the Middlesbrough & District Youth organisations and two years later he became treasurer of the North Riding County (Minor) FA.

“Work took Roy further south and after initially moving to Slough, he moved to Kent in 1971. He was appointed to the Kent League referees list in 1972, taking charge of the League Cup final in 1979.

 “In the same year he was appointed secretary of Whitstable Town FC before joining the Kent League management committee in 1980. He was then appointed secretary and treasurer of the Kent League in 1990, stepping down from the former role in 2013, the year following his election as league president.

“Roy has served football in various capacities over seven decades, receiving the FA 50 years service award last year (being a referee doesn't count), no mean fete for anyone, and all of those involved in Football in Kent have been able to benefit from the experience and knowledge that he had gained. Kent Football and the Southern Counties East Football League will be poorer for this loss.

“Funeral details will be announced in due course. Our deepest sympathies are with Carol, Roy’s wife of 52 years, and his family at this time.”

Member clubs have paid tribute to Mr Vinter.

League leaders Ashford United said: “Roy was last at The Homelands watching The FA Vase game against Littlehampton on the 16^th November and although he appeared a little frail he was still as sharp with his comments on the game, of which he loved for his entire life.

“All at Ashford United and beyond send sincere condolences in honour of such a great man.

“He will be sadly missed from all who knew him.”

A statement from Beckenham Town said: “The League and football in Kent has lost one of its real footballing gentlemen.

“Everyone at Beckenham Town Football Club wishes to join in passing on to Roy’s family our condolences.  Football in Kent will be the poorer for Roy’s passing.

A statement from Cray Valley said: “We are saddened to learn that Roy Vinter, League secretary and treasurer for the past 20 years, passed away on Friday night. He will be missed.”

A statement from Fisher added: “Roy served for over 20 years and was a great help to Fisher as we reformed and applied to join the league. He will be missed.”