Ryman mourns president's passing

The Non-League stalwart is being mourned at clubs across the county after devoting more than three decades of her life to the Essex Senior League, first as treasurer for 26 years before made joint president in more recent times alongside her husband Robert Errington.

In a poignant post on www.nonleaguematters.co.uk announcing his wife's passing, he said: "It is with the deepest sadness that my darling wife Margaret passed away on Monday after a very long and brave battle with illness. For this remarkable lady, the ESL and its members were her great joy and the whole Non-League scene, a passion she shared with so many of us. She is now at peace."

A valued volunteer and official at Southend Manor and Canvey Island before joining the ESL, Mrs Errington collected an 'Outstanding Service Award' from the Essex FA in July 2015 for her many years supporting the grassroots of the game.

Ryman League chairman Nick Robinson sent the league's condolences to Mr Errington and his wife's family and friends on Tuesday after learning of her death.

In a statement, a spokesman added: "Everybody connected with the Ryman League will be saddened by the news of Margaret's passing. Her commitment to the game was widely known and highly valued and our thoughts are with Robert and their family at this sad time."

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