More tributes to Ken Swallow

Roy Osborne said: “Ken joined me at Eastbourne United after I had been appointed their first part time manager for many years, We immediately got on and he was almost ever present and a very important part of our success in that year, winning the Sussex Cup and earning promotion to the Athenian League .

“But Ken was not just about football, he was a gentleman who wanted to help in any way he could, and was married to a lady who was of similar ilk.”

Ex-Burgess Hill manager Gary Croydon said: “I played with Ken at Eastbourne Utd, Waggon Wanderers and, of course, Burgess Hill. He was an honest and committed footballer, a gifted defender and header of the ball for someone 5”10” tall.

“One particular match I recall, playing in the old Athenian League at Hayes. Ken was delayed in traffic and we started the game with 10 men, I was a young 18 sub at the time and the manager elected to start the game with 10 players and wait for Ken to arrive rather than start with me.(only one sub in those days).

“Ken arrived on the pitch 10minutes after the start when we were 1-0 up. The game ended 2-2 but in the dressing room afterwards Ken believed we had lost 2-1, unaware of the early goal. To everyone’s amusement it was hours later before the lads told him that we picked up a valuable point away from home.

“It was a privilege to have played with ‘Swolls’ as he was affectionately known. A genuine nice guy, I will miss bumping into him as I did often.”

Ron Fuller recalled: “‘I met Ken soon after moving from London to Horsham in 1971 and our football playing meant our paths often crossed.

“The overriding thing about Ken was that apart from being a very good footballer, he was a perfect gentleman with no airs or graces. From your first meeting you felt you had a friend for life and so that proved to be for me.

“Following his resignation from Ansty Rangers in July 1997 I was appointed as his successor and the first person to ring me was Ken offering congratulations and help if needed.

“I am proud to have had Ken as a friend.”