RIP Ray Branch, the founder of Netherton United FC

Ray, who was schools property supervisor at Thorpe Primary School for 28 years, died in Spain after picking up the coronavirus.

He also had other health complications.

Ron Seddon, who was club chairman when Netherton started out in 1991, said: “I am sad and very sorry to hear the news about Ray.

“I remember the day when my son Matt came home from Thorpe School all excited to tell me Mr Branch was starting a football team, it would be called Netherton United FC and that I was going to be chairman.

“That’s how Netherton started.

“We just had an under 12 team at the start and Ray managed them all the way through to under 15s.

“It was a very exciting time and all the players loved him.

“Ray started what has become a very successful community football club.”

Ray was a London fireman for 20 years before joining Thorpe School.

He retired in 2013 and moved to the Isle of Wight and then on to Spain two years later.

Ray was a father to Stephen and Carrie Ann and besotted grandad to his five grandchildren.

He leaves a widow Sue. They had been married for 23 years.

Netherton have gone on become one of the top amateur clubs in the area.

They now field 30 teams every weekend offering football to girls, boys, youths and adults.

The club also has a thriving social scene which includes a popular walking football group.