Coney Hall manager shot dead before training session

Friday 17th July 2009

CONEY HALL are in a state of shock as their first team manager was killed by a masked gunman on a local playing field as he arrived to hold training.

Ryan Musgrove, 36, was shot at least six times by a man who escaped by bike.

Officers who were called to Sparrows Den Playing Fields in West Wickham and found the dying man at about 18:30 last night.

Police suspect the killer may have been lying in wait. They say the shooting could be gang-related.

Mr Musgrove had arrived at the ground with a friend.

A gunman jumped from the bushes and shot Mr Musgrove several times.

He fired again to scare away the dying manager's players before fleeing, police said.

An air ambulance was sent out but the crew was unable to resuscitate the victim.

Mr Musgrove, from South Norwood, was not previously known to police.

The Vandanel Kent County League premier division club said in a statement: “The thoughts of everyone within the club, are with Ryan’s family to whom we send our heartfelt condolences.

“The circumstances surrounding his death are the subject of a police investigation and the club will not make comment upon them or contribute to any speculation in this regard.

“Ryan will be remembered at the club as a huge personality and as a great football man who has made great strides in improving the Senior Section at Coney Hall during the past two seasons. He is missed.

The Sparrows Den Playing Fields, a favourite with dog-walkers, is home to several amateur rugby and football clubs.

The Metropolitan Police's Homicide and Serious Crime Command is investigating.

Det Ch Insp John McFarland said a "large number of people" were there at the time.

He told BBC News: "The victim has been coming down here for the last four weeks and holding training sessions.

"It was obviously a planned callous attack. The gunman must have known that his victim was going to be there.

"The victim was a family man, he was actively involved with sport and was well respected within the community."

The gunman is thought to be between 19 and 30. He wore a balaclava and ski mask.

No arrests have been made.

www.kentishfootball.co.uk are totally devastated by this news and our sincere condolences go to Ryan’s family and everybody at Coney Hall Football Club.

Our coverage of tomorrow’s pre-season friendly between Folkestone Invicta and Thamesmead Town at Cheriton Road will be dedicated in Ryan’s memory.

Visit Coney Hall’s website: www.coneyhallfc.co.uk