Football community pays respects to Albert

Eadon refereed in the Scarborough & District leagues for over 30 years and was still officiating well into his 80s.

A statement released by the Scarborough Saturday League said: “We would like to pass on our thoughts to Albert’s family, and our gratitude to a fantastic servant to the league stretching over three decades.

“He was a character that will be sadly missed throughout local leagues and not just for his commitment to football.

“Albert was a gentleman and was very proud to have been made a vice president of the league when he finished his refereeing at 84.

“There will be very few who won’t have a memory of him refereeing their games, whether they agreed with his decisions or not.

“His commitment was second-to-none no matter what the weather or the game he was officiating, Albert would be there.

“The league are looking at the prospect of having an annual referees award in his name as a mark of the respect we had for him.”

North Riding County FA referees development officer Ross Joyce was also quick to pay his tributes to a stalwart of the grassroots game.

“It’s sad to hear of Albert’s passing, he was a real servant to the Scarborough leagues,” said Joyce.

“It is a sad loss to the refereeing community.”

Sunday League chairman Mark Plumpton confirmed there will be a minute’s silence at games this weekend, also paying tribute to Eadon, saying: “The Sunday League’s member clubs will show their respects on Sunday to a man who will be missed on and off the field due to his enthusiasm and love for the game.”

Long-standing Edgehill FC secretary Alec Coulson also added his tribute to stalwart Eadon, adding: “A sad loss of a great servant to grassroots football, he was one of a kind.”

Another former official, Steve Rowntree, was an admirer of Eadon’s commitment to the game and refereeing.

Rowntree added: “Obviously like all involved in local football, I was very sad to hear of Albert’s passing.

“Albert would always take up his duties in all weathers and I think he was 84 when he finally hung up his whistle, which is a great feat for anyone. He will be sadly missed by all.”