Football mourns stalwart's passing

Sussex football is mourning the passing of Peter Bentley, President of the Sussex County Football League and Chairman of the Sussex County FA.

A leading figures at the Football Association and in Sussex football for many years, Mr Bentley, pictured, was 73 when he died in the early hours of Thursday morning following a two-year battle against cancer. County League clubs and a number of Sussex based Ryman League clubs are expected to wear black armbands and mark his passing with a minute’s silence at matches this weekend.

Mr Bentley was the Chairman the Sussex County Football League for 37 years as well as the Sussex County FA since 1975. He also served the Football Association with distinction for the last 13 years and in September was awarded Honorary Membership of the FA on his retirement from day to day involvement at the game’s governing body.

As Chairman of the FA’s Representative Match Committee since 2004, he was responsible for the England ‘C’ team, a role he considered to be one of the highlights of his career as a top football administrator.

Mr Bentley’s involvement with the game started well over sixty years ago while at school and as a young player he went on to have trials with both West Ham United and Queens Park Rangers.

Sussex County FA Chief Executive Ken Benham said: "Peter dedicated much of his life to football, Sussex football in particular, operating as both Chairman of the Sussex County FA and Sussex County Football League, along with his role as FA Representative with The FA that was cut short by illness.

"Peter will be sorely missed by so many, a Sussex stalwart for sure, and he fought his illness very bravely and with great dignity to the end, his passing is not only a great loss to Sussex, but football generally."

"By way of respect we would ask that all leagues, clubs, players and match officials consider a minute’s appreciation prior to their up-and-coming fixtures. On behalf of the Sussex County FA we send our best wishes to Peter's wife, Margaret, and all of his family at this sad time."

On hearing the news many players and clubs paid tribute to the football stalwart on social media. On Twitter, Crawley Down Gatwick's official account tweeted: "The Anvils would like to pass on its condolences to the family of Peter Bentley after his passing today. #SussexFootballAmbassador."

Three Bridges FC tweeted: "It’s with great sadness to hear Peter Bentley has passed away in the early hours of this morning, we wish his family our condolences, very sad."