Tributes paid to late chairman

Ryman South Peacehaven & Telscombe are mourning the loss of chairman Brian Suckling after he lost his battle against cancer.

The chairman of Crawley Down Gatwick for many years before taking the helm at the Magpies in December 2014, Mr Suckling passed away on Wednesday aged 63.

In a statement announcing his passing, saddened officials at The Sports Park said the father of two and grandfather had brought a wealth of football knowledge to the club in its hour of need and would never be forgotten.

Acting chairman Sue Norwood led the East Sussex club’s tributes to their late chairman whose drive and enthusiasm were behind their successful campaign to raise funds for new stands and essential ground improvements.

Peacehaven & Telscombe F.C.

Peacehaven & Telscombe F.C.

Norwood said: “Everyone at Peacehaven & Telscombe FC is so sad to learn of his passing. He was popular with everyone at the club and we benefitted immensely from his vast experience of football administration at this level. Today is a sad day for everyone who knew him and our thoughts go out to Jane his wife and his family.”

Club secretary Derek Earley said: “I have known Brian a long time in football, since I was secretary for Southwick FC. When Brian agreed to become chairman at Peacehaven we were delighted that he took over. Since becoming chairman he has done a fantastic job in keeping the club going and we at Peacehaven send our condolences to Jane and the family. He will be sadly missed by all at the club.”

Magpies manager Simon Colbran said: “Football has lost someone who has given more or less their whole life to the game. You don’t come across many people like Brian in this life and every club he has ever been involved with he has always given his all for them."

He added: "I’ll always have Brian in my thoughts in everything I do for Peacehaven & Telscombe FC in the future.”

After hearing the news on Thursday, Ryman League chairman Nick Robinson paid tribute to the late Magpies chairman on behalf of the league’s 72 clubs and their fans, players and officials.

He said: “Brian was a well known and respected figure throughout the league and football for his work over many, many years at a number of clubs. He will be sorely missed by all who came into contact with him and the Ryman League sends its deepest condolences to Brian’s family and friends and to all at the club at this very sad time.”

Officials say their late chairman’s family have asked for time to grieve and say anyone wishing to contact them should go through the club. Mr Suckling's funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.

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