THE recent death of John Sterrett of Christchurch closes a chapter in the history of Coleford Football Club which stretches from the 1950s all the way into the 1990s.

As a teenager in the late 1950s wishing to play football for one's home town, I was warmly welcomed into the club as a "young 'un" not just by John but also Ralph Morris and Bill Poyner – 'The Three Amigos.'

John was fearless in goal, Bill was a wonderful winger and Ralph was secretary, linesman and first reserve when called upon. Our home ground, The King George V Playing Fields, was an unforgiving land of iced grass in the winter aided by a horizontal wind from the north and in spring a hard ground which would have made playing on concrete seem like a soft option.

As I recall in my early years we were in the Northern Senior League which entailed Saturday afternoon trips beyond Gloucester, to as far away as Cam Bulldogs and the like.

Now that's what you call a day out! The three of them organised the coaches, all kit, team selection, the half-time oranges, hot tea at home, pitch marking, goal net repair – indeed everything that was needed to keep the show on the road. Later on, when many of us upgraded to cars, we would meet for Saturday games at the wonderful Masons Arms at the bottom of Boxbush Road, together with a pre match pint to aid our endeavours. A fringe benefit of course was visiting all parts of the Forest, to play on pitches where one leg longer than the other was a definite benefit and finally to ensure much physical and verbal touchline abuse from the home supporters. Wonderful days!

I recall very few players over the years leaving the club to go 'trophy hunting' because as players we felt a loyalty to the club and of course to The Three Amigos.

It is true to say that Ralph Morris, John Sterrett and Bill Poyner are the unsung heroes of this aspect of community life in Coleford over an incredible five decades and without then it is doubtful that football would have survived in the town, to bring the game to where it is now under the leadership of Terry Smith.

Those of us who played during these years will not forget their contribution to our younger lives and to the fun we all had together. Many hours a week were required season after season to keep the club ticking. These three friends were the heartbeat of Coleford AFC and so, together with anyone who would wish to be associated with the above sentiments, could I finally thank all three families for loaning them to us down the years.

They are all an example of service and dedication to Coleford that we are unlikely to witness again.

– Tony Prisk, Kempley Green, Dymock.